Family Wellness Coach - Tribal Family Services - Juneau

Description

Family Wellness Coach 

Department: Tribal Family Services 

Location: Juneau

Exemption Status: Non-Exempt

Pay Grade(s): 10/11

Purpose: The Family Wellness Coach provides ongoing physical, emotional, and informational support to birthing persons and their families before, during, and after childbirth. This position delivers case management support services, focusing on health, child development, and emotional well-being for infants, toddlers, pregnant mothers, and their families. The Family Wellness Coach collaborates with parents to foster positive early childhood experiences for children aged 0-5. Services are provided primarily in Tribal Citizens' homes. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and organizational skills, a deep understanding of tribal culture, and the ability to effectively support diverse families. Case management support includes assisting with health, nutrition, brain, cultural, social, and emotional development, ensuring that the family’s needs are addressed in a compassionate and culturally responsive manner.

This role does not include clinical tasks, decision-making for the birthing person, or access to private health information.

Essential Functions. An individual in this role must be able to perform the following functions with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Work with Manager to plan, develop, and implement programs and services in the Strength in Family Program

• Support and provide case-management for families

• Provide regular case updates and activity reports to supervisor

• Share resources and information to prepare families for birth, postpartum, and parenting.

• Provide parenting classes.

• Provide prenatal support:

o Respect and support birthing person’s decisions.

o Assist with comfort techniques during labor.

o Provide support to the entire family.

o Offer expectant parenting classes.

o Accompany expectant parents to the hospital if requested.

o Assist with breastfeeding and postpartum support.

• Stay updated on childbirth support, birthing techniques, and pre- and post-natal care through research, networking, and training.

• Conduct regular home visits to build relationships, assess needs, and deliver culturally responsive services.

o Schedule and conduct regular 1 to 1.5-hour home visits with parents and children.

o Create a safe, supportive environment for families.

o Conduct comprehensive assessments of family strengths, challenges, and goals.

• Strengthen parenting skills by providing education on age-appropriate child development/growth, and positive caregiving techniques.

• Regularly assess for child safety and take appropriate action when there are safety concerns.

• Collaborate with program staff and community partners.

• Maintain ethical practice and confidentiality.

• Actively contribute to the success of the program.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Note: While the role of Family Wellness Coach mirrors aspects of a doula, the Family Wellness Coach title has been adapted to better align with Alaska Native communities. The term "doula," derived from the Greek language, which translated to “female servant”, and is not commonly recognized or used in Alaska Native communities.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities. A comprehensive set of capabilities required to perform job tasks effectively:

• In-depth knowledge of early childhood education.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to develop and present clear reports and meet deadlines

• Ability to provide non-judgmental, culturally safe care.

• Knowledge or willingness to learn the basics of childbirth education, labor support, postpartum care, breastfeeding, and newborn and early childhood development.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and strong computer skills.

• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.

• Ability to remain calm and provide emotional support.

• Recognize when a case requires immediate escalation and notify supervisor promptly.

• Maintain accurate, complete, and confidential records.

• Strong commitment to serving Indigenous communities.

• Familiarity with Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian cultures.

Minimum Qualifications (education, experience, skills):

• Associate’s degree in early childhood education, CNA, social work, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• Familiarity with child development principles, early childhood education, and parenting practices.

• Knowledge of childbirth, pre- and post-natal care.

• Ability to work independently.

• Must be 21 years of age with a Valid Driver’s License.

Preferred Qualifications (education, experience, skills):

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, early childhood education, or a related field.

• Experience in childbirth and pre- and post-natal care.

• Experience in early childhood education.

• Knowledge of hospital and birthing environment protocols.

Physical Requirements. 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 with or without reasonable accommodation:

• The majority of work is performed in a professional office setting and is generally sedentary, requiring routine walking, standing, bending, and carrying of items weighing less than 40 lbs.  Travel on small aircraft or ferry may be required.

Work Environment. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job:

• Travel on small aircraft or ferry may be required.

• Certain positions at Tlingit & Haida may have exposure to certain hazardous materials or conditions. The supervisor will review these if applicable.