Family Service Specialist (FSS) -
Mental Health
South Bay location with some travel to the San Fernando Valley (on occasion) North Hollywood
Definition:
The Head Start Family Services Specialist (FSS) Mental Health is responsible for establishing and promoting family relationships and identifying resources pertinent to Head Start children, families, and staff. Must meet state and federal regulations for the compliance of the program’s Mental Health Area.
Duties:
Provide resources for early intervention and identification of children’s needs.
In coordination with the education personnel, assist all children participating in the program in emotional, cognitive, and social development toward the overall goal of social competence.
Provide children, as well as children with disabilities and/or special needs, with the necessary mental health services, which will ensure that the children and family achieve the full benefits of participation in the program.
Provide staff and parents with an understanding of children’s growth and development, an appreciation of individual differences, and the need for a supportive environment.
Mobilize community resources to serve children with problems that prevent them from coping with their environment; and
Encourage the provision of a classroom and home environment that enhances feelings of self-esteem for children and parents.
Functions:
Mental health planning, intra-agency procedure formulation, and coordination; personnel supervision, staff development, and evaluation; inter-agency liaison, mobilization of community resources; client advocacy; individual and family counseling referrals.
Other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
Education:
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized (accredited) college or university in the field of social science, preferably in psychology.
Six semester units of course work in administration and supervision inn social service agencies, or one year’s experience as a supervisor in a social service agency.
Bilingual in English and Spanish (written and verbal) desirable.
Must have excellent computer skills including knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel.
Health:
Must meet state health requirements including obtaining a physical examination at the time of employment, and proof of tuberculosis clearance prior to employment (dated within six months before employment) to be renewed every year.
Other:
Must have the use of an automobile (to travel among sites), possess a valid California’s driver’s license, a clean driving record, and adequate/current automobile insurance coverage.
Fingerprint clearance required prior to employment.
To perform this job, the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.
