What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Engagement Specialist position at New Horizons Healthcare?
PURPOSE
**THIS POSITION WILL PRIMARILY WORK OUT OF SALEM CITY SCHOOLS**
The Family Engagement Specialist (FES) is responsible for engaging families through the provision of case management to connect children, youth & families in the school system, HeadStart and the clinic with needed services, support, and resources. The FES will serve as a liaison to build collaborative relationships between community partners, including the schools and HeadStart, and New Horizons Healthcare. The FES will positively impact transitions across developmental stages by nurturing healthy and responsive relationships.
GENERAL DUTIES
- Develops and sustains collaborative relationships with children, youth and families
- Provides strengths-based support, resources, advocacy, and crisis intervention to families
- Assists families in setting and achieving their individual family goals
- Addresses SDOH barriers including, but not limited to, transportation, cell phone, housing, clothing, food insecurity, insurance, appointment scheduling, etc.
- Conducts periodic home visits based on families’ needs, using the Family Resource Assessment to identify areas where families need support
- Serves as a liaison assisting families in navigating the health care and human services system
- Provides psychoeducation to the patients and family members to strengthen communication and resiliency skills
- Educates and facilitates the FAPT process as needed and advocates for the families’ preferences and needs
- Maintains therapeutic and professional boundaries that support behavioral health ethical standards
- Makes referrals to link patients and families to needed community resources & follows up on referrals to ensure needs are met
- Works with community organizations to provide opportunities for patients and families to meet their goals
- Understands and respects an individual’s and family’s culture, beliefs and values, and links them with a provider who best matches their unique needs and preferences
- Provides multicultural outreach, community engagement and family services that support self-sufficiency and reduces barriers to access to treatment
- Documents, within required time frames, all service contacts and maintains the patient records in accordance with agency and regulatory standards and requirements
- Maintains professional relationships and works effectively within the clinic and throughout the community to promote optimal patient outcomes
- Participates in ongoing quality improvement processes including required data collection; assesses progress against case management plan and goals and modifies plans as needed
- Engages in community health promotion and outreach events to facilitate communication about behavioral health and wellness and reducing barriers such as stigma and distrust
- Complies with all FQHC policies and procedures
SKILLS
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, behavioral health and medical staff, school & HeadStart personnel, management, and community partners to promote and advocate for patients.
- Knowledge of community resources and referral options
- Ability to prioritize patient needs, build collaborative relationships and utilize resources to effect optimal patient outcomes and remove barriers
- Team player
- Flexibility
- Demonstrates effective time management, critical thinking, and prioritization of multiple priorities
- Computer literate with working knowledge of Microsoft Office, EMR, and various other computer software programs.
QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s degree in education, social services, or a related field.
Minimum of two (2) years’ experience.
Experience with early childhood services, home visiting, and familiarity with relevant programs (such as Head Start) would be preferred. Candidate must be team-oriented, with excellent communication skills, and a strong orientation to customer service and working with community members from diverse backgrounds. Experience with diverse populations, particularly underserved communities. Familiarity with integrated care models and working within multidisciplinary teams. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
