------------------------------------------
JOB DESCRIPTION:
------------------------------------------

Duties:

1. Conducts initial interviews and gathers information to determine whether referrals are appropriate for family training services.  When not appropriate, makes referrals to other more appropriate programs. 

2. Makes regular contact with families on assigned service list, with flexibility in scheduling appointments to meet family needs.  This may result in working outside of normally scheduled work hours.

3. In cooperation with parents, assesses needs of family with regard to training and support services.

4. In cooperation with family, assesses needs of child for stimulation and/or developmental   programs for child.

5. In cooperation with family, sets outcomes for family education and their child's progress.

6. Based on needs and corresponding outcomes, designs appropriate stimulation and/or developmental programs for child. 

7. Based on needs and corresponding outcomes, develops IFSP and Cost Plan Request while at all times recognizing FSS’s fiscal responsibility to the agency and agency role of payer of last resort.

8. May assist families in arranging for professional evaluations by appropriate therapists or medical personnel if necessary to help determine appropriate programming.

9. Demonstrates programming methods for parents to carry out on day-to-day basis.

10. As appropriate, instructs parents in basic learning principles, behavior management techniques, child development, assessment, data collection, legal rights, and normalization principles.

11. May assist families to coordinate services with other agencies involved with the child/family (e.g., schools, social services, therapists) by maintaining regular contact and participating in child study teams or Personal Support Teams (when existing).

12. May assist families by referring to additional agencies whose services could be utilized by   individuals receiving Hi-Line Home Programs services.

13. Procures informational materials to assist parents in understanding their child's developmental delay.

14. Makes loan materials (toys, books, therapy equipment) available to families as needed and then instructs them on appropriate use of equipment.

 15. Documents all contacts and maintains complete files on each family, recording programming and progress.

16. Provides emotional support to families.

17. Participates in ongoing community awareness efforts, with particular emphasis in maintaining good communications with potential referral sources.

18. Advocates for rights of persons with developmental disabilities in general, as well as specific advocacy for individuals receiving Hi-Line Home Programs services to assist them in obtaining their legal rights.

19.  Promotes principles of normalization and the developmental model, and promotes movement of individuals to the least restrictive environment possible.

20. Participates in cooperative and coordinated child find screenings with other agencies.

21. FSS’s are mandatory reporters to Child Protection Services as described in agency FES Policy and Procedures.

------------------------------------------
SALARY RANGE: $15-$20
------------------------------------------

Varies based upon qualifications.Education/Experience:

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in a field related to human services, or a comparable combination of education and relevant experience.        

Special Requirements:

1. Travel is required on a regular basis.

2. Family Support Specialists are expected to participate in a rigorous in-service training program, and should be willing to avail themselves for frequent workshops that may involve after normal working hours, weekend attendance and/or travel.

3. Upon the completion of the FSS’s second year of employment, the FSS will successfully complete the State of Montana’s FSS certification process as a condition of continued employment.