Family Support Specialist, Family Voices
About The Position
The Family Support Specialist provides information, education, and support to families of children with special health care needs. The role helps coordinate RIPIN projects that support families in advocating effectively for their children and builds connections with statewide, regional, and national networks, as well as state and community-based agencies. The specialist also provides technical assistance, education, and training to families, family leaders, professionals, and RIPIN staff across programs. The position plans and implements family and support-group strategies; develops and distributes informational materials in appropriate formats and languages; assists other RIPIN programs with Family Voices information and projects; and contributes to data entry, reports, proposals, meetings, events, workshops, trainings, conferences, outreach, partnerships, policy, and systems-change efforts. The specialist participates in required training, represents RIPIN on assigned committees and councils, and collaborates with colleagues while supporting a respectful and inclusive agency environment. Translation support based on language proficiency is preferred but not required. The primary work location is a climate-controlled office, with visits to private homes and community locations and travel between provider sites. The employee must provide reliable transportation and proof of Rhode Island minimum auto insurance requirements. Occasional job-related travel and evening or weekend work may be needed. The role involves regular communication, standing, walking, sitting, hand use, reaching, climbing stairs, stretching, and bending; lifting or moving up to 25 pounds; and remaining at a workstation for prolonged periods.
Requirements
- High school diploma or GED and a combination of education and skills sufficient to carry out the responsibilities.
- Advanced knowledge of Rhode Island systems of care, including health, education, special education, children’s special healthcare needs, and related service systems.
- Ability to facilitate group discussions, chair meetings, speak to groups, and present to small and large audiences.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills for professional interactions with consumers, parents, and professionals.
- Ability to use personal experience to support families while maintaining professional boundaries.
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly and understandably.
- Organizational skills, including managing multiple activities, prioritizing projects of varying complexity, and meeting timelines.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with multiple staff and programs.
- Proficiency with computers, internet navigation, program materials, reports, and multiple database systems.
- Personal experience navigating state and community services for oneself or a family member; or experience supporting families or individuals with special care needs or disabilities or accessing health programs and services; or experience working effectively with professionals supporting individuals, parents, or families of children with special needs.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as an effective team member.
- A combination of education and experience demonstrating the required skills and abilities.
- Reliable personal transportation for home and community visits and travel between provider sites, with proof of Rhode Island minimum auto insurance requirements.
- Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
- Ability to perform the stated physical duties, including lifting or moving up to 25 pounds and remaining at a station for prolonged periods.
Nice To Haves
- Community Health Workers certification is preferred; non-certified employees are expected to obtain certification within 18 months of hire.
- Fluency in English and Spanish or Portuguese (speaking, reading, and writing) is desired.
- Ability to support translation of materials based on language proficiency is preferred but not required.
Responsibilities
- Plan, develop, and implement strategies to support families and support groups.
- Develop and disseminate informational materials and ensure materials and information are available in appropriate formats and languages.
- Collaborate with RIPIN programs to provide information about Family Voices support groups and other projects.
- Enter data and assist with state, federal, and funding reports and proposals.
- Provide administrative support during meetings and events.
- Present workshops and facilitate trainings as assigned.
- Assist with coordination and planning of conferences, partnerships, outreach, policy, and systems-change efforts.
- Participate in and complete required trainings.
- Represent RIPIN on assigned committees and councils as needed.
- Participate in RIPIN and Family Voices team meetings and make constructive use of individual and peer supervision or one-on-one meetings.
- Work collaboratively and respectfully with staff, supporting diversity in backgrounds and life experiences.
- Support translation of materials based on language proficiency, if able.
- Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
- Travel to clients’ homes, community settings, and provider sites as required.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
High school or GED
