Description

Position Summary:

The Family Support Coordinator will provide support to individual families and coordinate activities such as EI Week and family training opportunities as part of the overall responsibilities. The coordinator will work at both the regional and state levels with REIC management team, other REIC’s family support professionals and state leaders. Involvement with families and early intervention professionals; presenting to families, professionals, and community agencies; developing and preparing regional reports with REIC in relation to CIP – community impression plan; Responsible for working with families whose children are 34 months plus, and as needed to resolve family concerns /inquiries.

Purpose:

The primary objective of the FSC is to support all NJEIS families in their participation in NJEIS and the education of community partners who have frequent contact with families of young children about NJEIS. These expectations are the “Annual Family Support Plan” as defined by DOH. Therefore, when the FSC is carrying out these activities, that person is contributing to the Annual Family Support Plan that the DOH is funding through the grant.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties and responsibilities that are required by the employee.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:

The following are all DOH requirements of the FSC job descriptions - SFY 23. Facilitate a family’s participation in the NJEIS including:

Assisting with state and local child find plans and activities
Assist families with concerns while they participate in NJEIS
Assisting families with their transition from the NJEIS
Assisting families with connections to resources that provide disability supports/services and /or providing general support resources that can strengthen the overall well -being of the family.

Design, coordinate, conduct and evaluate community and individual outreach programs that support the goals of NJEIS by:

Educating the primary target audiences 1- families and 2- community partners that have frequent contact with young children are potential referral sources or supportive resources – NJDCPP, AAP, Community Success Centers.
Collecting and analyzing data and other evaluation measures to assure effectiveness of outreach programs
Use of modern methods to reach and engage the intended audience(s) by leveraging available technology to meet program goals.
Writing and implementing an annual Community Impression Plan.
As a member of the regional team, works with Director, other REIC management staff and state Part C leaders.
Participate in REIC Provider and chairs CARES Council meetings.
Work with REIC and CARES Council on community projects such as Center for Great Expectations.
Present NJEIS materials in accordance to the federal rules & regulations and state policies.
Endorses family-centered principles through regional activities, regional/SICC committee work, and trainings.
Receive family calls regarding concerns & inquiries. As requested, act as liaison between families, EI providers and practitioners to resolve family concerns regarding timely services, missed services, quality of services, etc. Communicate with service coordinators to ensure concerns are addressed. Discuss issues with Procedural Safeguards Office as requested.
Provide information, resources and track families with questions regarding children who are 34 plus months old at time of referral. Including early intervention, special education and related services, community resources, etc.
Responsible for designing, implementing and working with other REIC management team members on semiannual Community Impressions Plan.
Maintenance of databases/payments with finance department for Family Support activities including ASL, security, written transcription, public relations materials and community activities.
Work with CJFHC on our web materials and update as needed. Promote activities/events of the REIC; maintain ongoing regional family announcements via Constant Contact.
Organize and participate in family events, as appropriate, including pajama parties, early intervention week, etc.
Seek out funding – grants for reading is fundamental type materials. Books, etc.
Child find - Outreach to families, community-based agencies, childcare and health care providers who have contact with potentially eligible children birth to three years old to increase awareness of early intervention services and provide appropriate child development literature.
Collaborate, schedule and present Welcome to Early Intervention presentations to heighten public awareness of early intervention services within the community. Includes presentations to child protective services – NJ Division of Child Protection & Permanency district offices, WIC county offices, childcare centers, public libraries, shelters for domestic violence / homeless, transient populations, and interconnect with new hires at CJFHC.
Present Transition from Early Intervention to Pre-School Special Education in community settings (such as libraries, YMCAs, Family Success Centers, Head Start, etc.) for families preparing to transition out of early intervention; plan regional SPAN presentations.
Other trainings and presentations as requested.
Apply for small grants such as Reading is Fundamental and Pajama Program; coordinate and submit required reports.
Attend and participate in development of meeting agendas such as Provider Meetings, Lead Family Support, CARES Council, CJFHC manager & staff meetings.
Works to build the CARES Council general membership; encourage families and community members’ involvement.
Perform other related duties as requested.

Working Conditions:

There are no unusual work conditions associated with this position. Noise level in the office is moderate. Professional/business attire is required. Employees are required to attend meetings at external locations and will therefore experience external weather conditions.

Requirements

Education/Experience:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in child development or health-related field. Qualified applicants must have experience with children with special needs, including as a family member is preferred, but not required. Commitment to providing equitable and professional support to the diverse families served by NJEIS. Excellent communication, public speaking and presentation, organizational and computer skills; a willingness to travel throughout region/state; occasionally evening and weekend hours; the ability to multi task and be a team player.

Computer proficiency required with Microsoft programs including Windows, Outlook, Office 2007, Access, Excel, Power Point, Publisher and Word. Strong interpersonal & oral/written communication and presentation skills required.

Valid Driver’s license with the ability to provide proof of ongoing automobile insurance coverage is required. This position will entail reimbursable local and statewide travel utilizing personal vehicle.

Physical Requirements:

Employees are required to occasionally lift up to twenty pounds of materials or equipment.