A Day in the Life of a Family Support Specialist
A Day in the Life of a Family Support Specialist
What Does a Day Look Like for a Family Support Specialist?
Have you ever wondered what a Family Support Specialist really does? It’s one of those vital roles that sits at the heart of supporting parents and what they do makes a meaningful difference in the lives of families. Here’s a peek into what their daily routine might look like.
Morning Prep and Check-ins
Before their first appointment, Family Support Specialists review their calendar for the day and check for urgent messages from parents.
Maybe a mom texted late the night before about needing help with rent. Maybe a school called about behavior challenges. Every day’s different, but every morning starts with prioritizing the needs of families.
The FSS might be meeting parents at a school that morning, going with them to a court hearing, or helping them sign up for public assistance. Every task is tied to one goal: reducing stress and strengthening the family.
Home Visit
Home visits are a big part of the job. These visits aren’t about judging parenting or peeking into closets. They’re about building trust, offering a safe space and letting families know they are not alone.
In one home, the FSS might sit with a single dad working two jobs who’s trying to manage his son’s ADHD without consistent medication. They’ll talk through routines, get connected with a pediatrician, and maybe even call the pharmacy together.
In another home, it might be a mom struggling with postpartum depression. The FSS will offer a space of empathy for mom to share, check in around the needs of the other children and family members in the home, and support her in brainstorming and identifying what might feel helpful.
Whether it’s preparing for an upcoming meeting, gathering information to support parents in making informed decisions, or offering a space for them to share what’s on their minds, the support is always guided by the needs identified by the family.
Team Meetings
Some Family Support Specialists support parents who are navigating the Wraparound Process with their children/youth. The FSS will meet with the parents prior to the team meeting to identify what they would like to bring to the team. The parent might ask the FSS to take notes, bring something forward on their behalf, or simply support by sitting alongside them.
They advocate on behalf of (do for), support and empower parents as they grow in their own advocacy skills (do with) and sit alongside parents as they advocate on behalf of their family (cheer on). They are advocates, and serve as a bridge between families and systems. The Family Support Specialist is there to support you in elevating your voice and to ensure the process is family driven.
School Meeting or Appointment Support
Family Support Specialists often support parents at appointments. If a child is getting evaluated for special education, the FSS might attend the IEP meeting to support the parent in advocating for the needs of their child, and to elevate family voice in the process.
If the family has a court or custody hearing, the FSS might come along to provide support and comfort knowing they are on your side.
The Family Support Specialist doesn’t speak for parents. They empower parents to advocate for themselves and their families. Many Family Support Specialists have navigated similar experiences and know how overwhelming it can feel. They are there because they get it, and they care.
Crisis Response
Not every day has a crisis, but some do.
Maybe a landlord is threatening eviction, and the family has nowhere to go. Maybe a child was suspended from school, and the parent is furious and confused. Maybe their child ran away and they aren’t sure what to do. Maybe their child is escalated and safety might be a concern.
However the family defines crisis, The Family Support Specialist is not there to “fix it”, but to walk alongside the family as they take steps to stabilize their children and families. They might help file emergency paperwork, offer support to a shelter, or support the parent in communicating with the school, or maybe sit alongside the parent as they reach out for help. Their role is to ensure families know they don’t have to sit in the hard times alone.
Wrapping-up the day
As Family Support Specialists begin wrapping up their day, they ensure they have responded to incoming emails, they may reach out to new families referred to the organization, and research community resources in support of families.
The Family Support Specialist might check in with a family who had a tough day. They also check in with supervisors, as needed, for guidance.
The day ends the way it began: thinking about how to make tomorrow better for the families they serve.
What Families Should Know
- They’re on your side. A Family Support Specialist isn’t there to judge you. They’re there to offer a safe space and support you through your navigational journey.
- They use their own lived experience to guide their work. Whether you’re navigating child care, special ed, housing, mental/behavioral health or other health systems, your Family Support Specialist will support you in exploring your options so you can make informed decisions.
- Family Support Specialists don’t have all the answers, but they won’t give up. They will dig, call, research, and keep showing up to walk alongside you through the thick of it. They will remind you that you are doing an amazing job.
- Your voice matters and you are the expert of your family. You know them best.
- Family Support Specialist support parents are unlocking what is already within them, but may have gotten overshadowed by difficult times.