Family Development Specialist, Highlands Family Center at ALLEGHENY INTERMEDIATE UNIT in Tarentum, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is seeking a Family Development Specialist. We are looking for an experienced and motivated person to join our team of professionals who make a positive difference in our families lives every day. If you enjoy working in a fast-paced professional environment and making a difference, this is the position for you. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Start a career at the AIU!

Job Title: Family Development Specialist

Position Summary: To provide comprehensive services with families and children residing in the Family Center area with an emphasis on families with children aged birth to five years. The Family Development Specialist works respectfully with the families in a strengths model approach and integrates oneself into the community.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Follow the Family Support Principles and carry a caseload of 20-25 families.


2. Actively recruit new families for the program.

1. Provide two home visits per month to each family with a focus on child development, parent involvement, health services, nutrition, family support services, etc.


2. Provide practical, emotional, and social support to families by home visits.


3. Maintain a collection of data and documentation including FAST, goal plans, child assessments

(Ages & Stages), etc.

1. Enter data into Synergy and OCDEL data systems by monthly deadlines as assigned by the site director or data manager.


2. Maintain and update each family file at all times.


3. Welcome and interact with all families. Provide positive family communications.


4. Actively carry out resource and referral work for families and community members.


5. Provide crisis intervention and assist families in developing support networks.


6. Facilitate, participate and coordinate weekly parent support and parent/child interaction groups.


7. Facilitate, participate and coordinate evening groups and encourage families to participate in groups and activities.


8. Advocate with families to providers, school districts, Department of Public Welfare, Children Youth and Families and other systems.


9. Participate in community outreach events.


10. Develop and maintain relationships with service providers.


11. Assist in center maintenance with cleaning and maintenance of the center.


12. Pursue training and information which would serve families and team.


13. Assist in childcare when needed.

1. Bachelor’s degree in education, child development, family relations, social work, guidance counseling and one (1) year experience working with infants/toddlers and families or


2. Associates degree in education, child development, family relations, social work, guidance and counseling and two (2) years’ experience working with infants/toddlers and families or


3. High school diploma/GED and three (3) years’ experience working with infants/toddlers and families.


4. The ability to work with parents and children in a home environment. Community services experience preferred.


5. Skilled in the use of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, PowerPoint, Access, Excel and Outlook, and willingness to experiment and work with new technologies.


6. Strong communication, writing, and interpersonal skills required.


7. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail required.


8. Ability to work under pressure, be flexible, and work as part of a team.


9. Ability to think creatively, plan and organize complex work projects.


10. Self-motivated; demonstrated initiative and ability to follow through with completion of tasks.


11. Ability to travel.


12. Ability to comply with the AIU Conduct policy

Additional Requirements:

1. Current Act 114, Act 34 and Act 151 required prior to an offer (Must be dated within 1 year of hire date).


2. School Personnel Health Record (Form H511.340) must be completed and received by Human Resources prior to hire date.

Working Conditions:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Sitting for extended period of time


2. Lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling 35 pounds


3. Ability to kneel, crouch, bend and reach to retrieve and handle teaching materials and supplies


4. Moving fingers and hands in a repetitive manner


5. Ability to speak clearly and distinctly when communicating with limited English speaking customers


6. Hearing clearly


7. Adequate vision to perform duties

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and is not an exhaustive list of the duties performed for this position.  Additional duties are performed by the individuals currently holding this position and additional duties may be assigned.

Disclaimer: The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of this position.

Reports To:  Site Director

Department: FACES

Position Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00am-4:00pm 

Salary:  $25,000.00

Benefits:  Full Health, Dental and Vision, PSERS retirement, mileage as applicable, professional development

To Apply: Create an on-line application and upload a cover letter, resume, PA Certificate (if applicable) and transcripts at the AIU Career Site.

Please send any questions to: recruitment@aiu3.net

The Allegheny Intermediate Unit is an equal opportunity education institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, handicap, or limited English proficiency in its educational programs, services, facilities, activities or employment practices as required by Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments, Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Section 504 Regulations of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1975, Section 204 Regulations of the 1984 Carl D. Perkins Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, or any other applicable federal or state statute.