Family Advocate

HEALTH FEDERATION OF PHILADELPHIA•Philadelphia, PA

2d•$28 - $28

About The Position

Part-time position (25 hours/week) that serves an advisory role for the Family Impact Initiative (FII) Project as a family member of a child with special health care needs/disability. The FII Family Advocate position is committed to advocacy and education for other families, government agencies and healthcare professionals about issues that affect children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). Position also serves as a liaison between families of children and youth with special health care needs and existing resources in the community. Position works collaboratively with other parents and professionals from a variety of community organizations involved in the FII initiative locally and at the state level. Position provides input regarding the FII Action Plan which addresses education and support needs for parents and caregivers of CYSHCN through the project; information and support for care providers and community agencies serving CYSHCN regarding available resources and how to the access/navigate the service system.

Requirements

Education: Minimum High School Diploma or Equivalency
Lived experience as parent or other family member of child with special health care needs, or disability.
Strong communication skills
Ability to work with a variety of cultures and diverse audiences
Able to handle multiple tasks and manage projects

Nice To Haves

Experience assisting other families of CYSHCN is also helpful but not required.
Bi-lingual English/Spanish preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Serve as Parent Co-Chair for the Philadelphia Family Impact Initiative (FII) Project Steering Committee
Attend monthly meetings for the Philadelphia FII Project Steering Committee, and quarterly meetings for the Philadelphia Parent Advisory Council and Steering Committee
Assist with planning meeting agendas and facilitation of meeting when needed
Identify issues that impact the lives of families of CYSHCN to the Steering Committee, and make appropriate recommendations for system change/system improvements
Provide input and feedback to appropriate agencies on how services are delivered to CYSHCN and their families
Assist with development of FII Action Plan goals and objectives
Promote family access to and utilization of various support groups
Educate service providers concerning the changing needs of families that have CYSHCN
Assist with development of resources for providers and other families in the community
Participate in planning and conducting community events
Attend and participate in trainings and education related to this initiative, such as how to advocate for policy and systems change
Perform additional related tasks when needed