System of Care Family Service Coordinator

The Family Service Coordinator works as part of the Herkimer County SOC (System of Care) leadership team to engage families and prepare them to participate in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the SOC efforts. Ensures there is family voice and involvement at all levels of the SOC initiative. Demonstrates a commitment to the value of a family driven system of care for children and youth with mental, emotional or behavioral health needs. Holds “lived experience” as the primary caregiver for a child, youth or young adult with behavioral health needs and experience navigating one or more systems for their child. Performs the following duties:s:

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Participate as a full member of the SOC (System of Care) Task Force to accomplish goals and objectives of the SOC Expansion and Sustainability Cooperative Agreement.

• Promote the mission and vision of the SOC values and principles of family-driven care.   

• Support and facilitate families to be engaged in all aspects of the SOC at all levels, including planning, designing, and implementation of Parent Peer Support services.

• Inform the SOC about barriers families may be encountering related to effective engagement, implementation of the SOC services, supports, and/or resources.

• Help connect parents/caregivers of SOC youth to resources and services when requested.

• Provide training, support, resources, mentoring and any other assistance families may need for fully integrating into the SOC efforts and in leadership roles.

• Develop and/or facilitate opportunities for families to cultivate leadership skills, understand how to participate in decision-making bodies, and empower families to become involved at all levels of the SOC including design, implementation, evaluation, outreach, service delivery and continuous quality improvement.

• Participate in and support family member involvement and sharing of their expertise in training programs, task forces and committees at a local, state and/or national level that enhance the implementation of SOC for families and youth.

• Work with SOC project director, key SOC staff, stakeholders, and families to develop and implement a sustainability plan to continue family involvement, leadership and the roles developed as part of the SOC efforts beyond the life of the grant.

• Attend overnight conferences/trainings when necessary.

Education/Experience: 

• Associate Degree in Human Services, Psychology or related field (Bachelor’s Degree preferred) and 5 years of community building, leadership experience within a nonprofit setting required or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Credentialed Family Peer Advocate, preferred. Required to complete the Family Peer Advocate credentialing process within 12 months of hire.

• The applicant must: demonstrate ‘lived experience’ as the parent or primary caregiver who has navigated multiple child serving systems on behalf of their child(ren) with social, emotional, developmental, health, behavioral, and/or addiction needs.  The candidate must be willing and able to disclose their lived experience.