HFA Family Support Specialist

Do you want to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families? If yes, join the great team at Koinonia Family Services in the Modesto area working in our Healthy Families America (HFA) program as a part-time Family Support Specialist. As a Family Support Specialist, you will partner with families during pregnancy and early childhood to strengthen parent-child relationships, support healthy development, and promote family well-being. Services are provided primarily in the family's home, using a trauma-informed, strength-based, and culturally responsive approach consistent with the HFA model. This is a hybrid remote position, visiting clients at their homes and working remotely at home and occasionally attending meetings at a Koinonia office. Prior experience providing services to children and families is required, and some college coursework in child development or a related field is preferred.

This is a grant-funded position, with employment subject to continued program funding.

Opportunity Highlights:

Healthy Families America is a nationally recognized, evidence-based home visiting program designed to support families during pregnancy and the early years of a child's life. The Family Support Specialist provides regular in-home visits—typically lasting at least one hour—that focus on building trusting relationships, promoting positive parent-child interactions, and enhancing protective factors that help children thrive.

The Family Support Specialist opportunity includes:

• A job with a purpose: help support parents and children during critical stages of development
• Hybrid/remote position, visiting clients in their homes and working remotely at home (and occasionally in the office).
• Hourly pay rate: Starting wage of $24.00, or higher with prior HFA or home visiting experience
• Benefits include paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and participation in our 401k plan
• Flexible shifts (primarily afternoons and early evenings)
• Remote work available between in-person visits
• Mileage reimbursement for business travel
• Work with a passionate team committed to hope and healing

This is a part-time role, offering approximately 20–25 hours per week. Shifts are flexible to accommodate family visit schedules.

Key Responsibilities:

Under the supportive leadership of the HFA Supervisor, the Family Support Specialist will:

• Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive in-home services to expectant parents and families with young children.
• Establish and maintain trusting, supportive relationships with families that honor diverse parenting practices and family structures.
• Conduct family assessments using validated tools such as the Family Resilience and Opportunities for Growth (FROG) Scale, ASQ, ASQ-SE, and depression screenings.
• Partner with families to develop individualized Family Service Plans and support them in setting and achieving goals.
• Promote parent-child bonding, healthy growth and development, and overall family well-being.
• Provide education, modeling, and coaching for parents on topics such as child development, attachment, health, safety, and parenting strategies.
• Assist families in accessing and navigating community resources, healthcare, and other supportive services.
• Accurately document home visits, assessments, and service plans in accordance with HFA standards.
• Participate in reflective supervision, team meetings, and required training to maintain fidelity to the HFA model and support professional growth.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent required; college coursework in human services, child development, social work, psychology, or a related field preferred.
• Prior experience working with or providing services to children and families is required. Experience in home visiting, early childhood development, or family support programs (such as Healthy Families America or similar models) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of infant and child development, parent-child attachment, and family-centered practice.
• Ability to establish trusting relationships, demonstrate acceptance of individual differences, and work effectively with culturally diverse families.
• Willingness to engage in reflective practice, including self-awareness, openness to supervision, and the ability to learn from experience.
• Understanding of trauma-informed care and the dynamics of child abuse and neglect.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Infant Mental Health Endorsement preferred
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities preferred but not required.
• Valid driver's license, auto insurance, and reliable transportation required.

Join Our Team: Experience a Fulfilling Work Environment at Koinonia Family Services

At Koinonia, we pride ourselves on creating an exceptional organizational culture that values relationships and diversity. In a recent employee survey, 95% of staff reported working well with coworkers, and 96% expressed satisfaction with their supervisor. As a trauma-informed agency, we prioritize person-centered, family-focused care. Be part of a team making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. Join us in our mission to bring hope and healing to children, youth and families.

Important Note:

Qualified candidates must complete a criminal background clearance through the California Department of Justice and FBI to ensure eligibility for employment, as well as a pre-employment physical and TB test. 

This position requires a valid driver's license, auto insurance and reliable transportation as driving is an essential job function. This position is responsible for tasks such as visiting client homes, transporting clients, engaging with community partners, often in locations not easily accessible by alternative transportation methods. The nature of these responsibilities necessitates the ability to drive to ensure timely, reliable, confidential and effective support for the clients we serve. Koinonia Family Services is an equal-opportunity employer.