Family Support Worker

Redlands Christian Migrant Association (RCMA) is a nationally recognized non-profit leader in childcare and early education. RCMA operates more than 65 centers and 3 charter schools, with a staff of 1,600 employees, in 21 Florida counties. We have grown over the years through our policy of hiring from the communities served, forging a strong bond between parents and RCMA caregivers, teachers, and staff.

WHY WORK FOR US?

Would you rather have a fulfilling career than just a “job”? At RCMA, we feel lucky to work in fulfilling roles every day. Like one big family, we work hand in hand with families who need allies on their journey toward big dreams. Through empathy and compassion, we help cultivate a sense of dignity and pride in these valuable members of society and provide them with resources for growth. If this sounds like a family you’d like to become a member of, we’d love to hear from you!

PURPOSE OF POSITION: The Family Support Worker develops trusting partnerships with families. The FSW supports families in using family strengths to build skills for self-sufficiency, improved quality of life, and parenting interactions that help children become ready for school and life.

The FSW assists families in identifying and reaching their own goals. With collaboration from families, the Center and Area Teams, and community partners, the FSW supports families in developing skills for leadership and advocacy for their children. The FSW documents all family development services to show a clear picture of the families’ needs, strengths, and growth.

Within the Center and Area Teams, the FSW acts as a mentor and guide for the ongoing implementation of family development practices.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following; however, other duties may be assigned:

The FSW works as part of the family service team to:

1. Participate in processes of assessing family eligibility, recruitment, selection, enrollment, and attendance to support appropriate fit between families’ needs and interests and program services. (Self-Aware and Culturally Responsive Relationships)
2. Have regular home visits with families to build on competence in the areas of understanding attachment and child development, self and family advocacy, developmental transitions, and parents as a child’s first teacher. (Positive Goal-Oriented Relationship)
3. Support each family in developing a Family Partnership Agreement so the family is able to understand and use goal development as a valuable life skill.
4. Make and consistently follow up on referrals related to: Family Partnership Agreement goals, specified on Strengths/Needs Assessment items, children with special needs, family health, job and education services, and other services related to family self-sufficiency and sustaining the overall well-being of the family. (Coordinated, Integrated, and Comprehensive Services)
5. Strengthen community collaborations to support families by maintaining current knowledge of community resources, sharing community service information with families and the Area Team, and building relationships during attendance of interagency meetings, community events, and other scheduled meetings with community partners.
6. Engage in regular meetings with the Core Team and teachers to discuss family development needs and progress as related to each family. The FSW will share information to broaden perspectives on how the child’s home environment impacts the status of the child and family. (Data-Driven Services and Continuous Improvement)
7. Foundations for Professional Growth (Actively participates in opportunities for continuous professional development).
8. Adherence to all RCMA funding and DCF requirements.

MANDATORY QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS/EDUCATION: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty element satisfactorily while exercising independent judgment and discretion. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. The individual must meet age, medical, moral character, and any other requirements as defined by Florida Statutes.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

After initial hire, the employee must complete mandatory child care training (DCF 45 hours) as specified in the DCF Training Addendum and in accordance with Florida Statutes and funding source requirements to retain eligibility to be employed in this position. 

• After hire, the employee will complete training in family empowerment skills and will be accountable for the ongoing implementation of such skills.
• Within eighteen months of hire, the employee must obtain at a minimum a credential (family development credentials FDC) or certification in social work, human services, family services, counseling, or a related field.