Family Support Specialist

Job Description:

The Family Support Specialist will support parents and families of students with disabilities; arrange and provide training for parents and staff on a variety of topics and assist parents to understand the importance of advocating for their children.

This position is housed under the Parent Resource Center.

Qualifications and Experience:

Education: Bachelor's degree required; Master's preferred.

Experience:

• The Specialist must be the parent of a student with a disability or be a person with a disability.
• The Specialist must possess knowledge of federal and state regulations pertaining to students with disabilities.
• The Specialist must have experience in advocating for students with disabilities and their families.
• The Specialist must have excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate with a wide range of audiences.

Key Competencies and Essential Functions:

• Provide information about specific disabilities, the special education system, and legal and advocacy issues to parents, teachers, and community members.
• Develop and lead daytime and evening support groups for parents.
• Work with parents in individual sessions to address specific concerns about their children's unique needs at home, in school, and in the community.
• Assist parents in working cooperatively with the school division to effectively plan for their children's education.
• Collaborate with school level staff with promoting the Parent Resource Center and engage in school based activities such as Back to School Night to share and disseminate information.
• Connect with community organizations that support students with disabilities and their families in order to build dynamic partnerships that provide our families with robust resources.
• Arrange and present workshops on various topics related to special education.
• Develop a database and disseminate information on a weekly/monthly basis regarding local, state and surrounding area supports, workshops, and other learning opportunities for parents and professionals.
• Collaborate with other Parent Resource Centers and organizations to plan cooperative workshops and events for parents and professionals.
• Develop and keep current materials and resources for parents and school division staff, including online resources.
• May perform other additional duties or tasks as designated by supervisor.

Clearances:

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance.
• Tuberculosis Skin Test.

Public Health Compliance

• Must follow safety and health protocols.

WP