Working Title: Healthy Families, Family Support Specialist (Page County)

State Role Title: Education Support Specialist II

Position Type: Full-time Staff (Classified)

Position Status: Full-Time

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt: Eligible for Overtime

College/Division: College of Health and Behavioral Studies

Department: 540997 - MIECHV Year 5

Pay Band: 3

Pay Rate: Pay Range

Specify Range or Amount: $40,000 - $42,746 

Is this a JMU only position? No

Is this a grant-funded position? Yes. This is a grant-funded position and is contingent upon continued funding.

Is this a Conflict of Interest designated position? No

Beginning Review Date: 09/24/2026

About JMU:

James Madison University is a publicly funded university with a beautiful campus and a supportive community that is committed to preparing students for the future. The university offers excellent comprehensive benefits which include paid vacation, sick, parental, and community service leave in addition to 19 paid holidays a year; affordable health insurance; retirement through the Virginia Retirement System. We also offer a work-life balance and integration program, Balanced Dukes, that is designed to support the overall wellbeing of our employees and a Tuition Waiver Program that allows employees to have tuition waived for undergraduate and graduate level courses taken at JMU.

Visit our Prospective Employee site to learn more about what makes JMU a great place to work: bit.ly/JMUEmployment

General Information:

Healthy Families Page County is hiring for a full-time Family Support Specialist (FSS). Healthy Families provides consistent and ongoing support so that parents and other caretakers can give children a safe, healthy start in life. Healthy Families is one of many programs and clinics within the Institute for Innovation in Health and Human Services (IIHHS). IIHHS is a forward-thinking and dynamic organization that strives to cultivate a shared sense of purpose in building healthier and safer communities where all individuals can thrive and flourish. IIHHS is housed within JMU’s College of Health and Behavioral Studies (CHBS).

This position will work out of The Health Place, an office space located in Stanley, VA in Page County.

CHBS is committed to shaping a forward-thinking and dynamic environment by refining policies, practices, and processes that strengthen our community, drive real-world advancement, and maintain spaces conducive to individual and collective growth. Through education, scholarship, and service, individuals are inspired to make responsible and meaningful contributions to the college, campus, local community, and broader world. Join us in fostering collaboration and innovation as we grow a dynamic college that embodies an atmosphere of belonging, champions excellence, and shares a sense of purpose. James Madison University is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a thriving environment where a wide range of perspectives are embraced, and fairness is upheld.

Duties and Responsibilities:

The Healthy Families Page County Family Support Specialist (FSS) is responsible for providing family-centered, strength-based and culturally competent support and interventions for assigned families. Training on the Healthy Families model will be provided. Activity will occur primarily in family homes throughout Page County, VA using an evidence-based model and curriculum. Essential job functions will include:

-Establish trusting relationships with families and maintain regular family contact through home visiting during which family-centered, strength-based education, support and resources are provided following an established goal plan.

-Participate as a member of the Healthy Families Page County team in support of families through home visiting and the provision of education, resources, and support. Participate in reflective supervision with the supervisor and support the team-based program model through a spirit of collaboration.

-Issue initial assessments and ongoing assessment tools discussed with the family during the home visits using a strength-based, family-centered approach. The FSS will complete developmental screenings, and referrals and provide follow-through on additional interventions needed.

Qualifications:

-Experience working with adults, infants, and toddlers.
-Knowledge of trauma-responsive and healing strategies that create an environment of safety, empowerment, and self-efficacy.
-Knowledge of signs, symptoms, and referral process related to suspected child abuse and neglect.
-Ability to document appropriately in client records.
-Ability to communicate effectively with families, colleagues, and supervisors.
-Ability to provide clear and accurate written reports of parent interviews.

Conditions of Employment:  

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background check.

E-Verify Notice: After accepting employment, new hires are required to complete an I-9 form and present documentation of their identity and eligibility to work in the United States. James Madison University uses the E-Verify system to confirm identity and work authorization.

EEO Statement:

James Madison University is committed to creating and supporting a diverse and inclusive work and educational community that is free of all forms of discrimination. This institution does not tolerate discrimination or harassment on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, parental status, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation or veteran status.

We promote access, inclusion and diversity for all students, faculty, staff, constituents and programs, believing that these qualities are foundational components of an outstanding education in keeping with our mission. The university is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support an ongoing commitment to this core quality.

Anyone having questions concerning discrimination should contact the Office for Equal Opportunity: (540) 568-6991.

Reasonable Accommodation:

If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance searching or applying for jobs please contact us at (540) 568-3597 or jobs@jmu.edu. You may also visit the JMU Human Resource Office, located at 752 Ott Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22807 and we will be happy to assist you.