Overview:

FUNCTION OF THE UNIT

The mission of the Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC) is to provide support, information, and education for children, youth, and adults with disabilities, their families, and the service providers who assist them. By offering emotional support and reliable information, the Center empowers clients through capacity building to effectively navigate community resources and engage in self-advocacy, with the objective of reaching their highest potential.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Under direct supervision of the Program Specialist I: Community Navigator Project (CNP), the Resource Navigator/Research Assistant II is responsible for providing one-to-one guided support and navigation of community resources and information to facilitate access and utilization of San Diego Regional Center services, special education and related services and associated generic services in San Diego and Imperial Counties for families of children/young adults with disabilities, including individuals with disabilities. Additional responsibilities include assisting with the coordination and implementation of EFRC project goals, including training, targeted outreach activities and resource development and preparing reports and providing updates to the Program Specialist. Other roles include providing support, guidance and resources to the service providers who assist individuals with disabilities and their families.

Responsibilities:

The Family Resource Navigator/Research Assistant II is responsible for but not limited to:

Support, Information, Resource and System Navigation 70%

• Assist parents to become informed decision makers and advocates for their child
• Collaborate with EFRC staff and service providers to ensure comprehensive, coordinated and culturally responsive service delivery
• Establish and maintain relationships with community-based organizations, government agencies, and other service providers.
• Partner with the parents/caregivers/clients/service providers to support navigation and utilization of services and resources
• Coordinate community outreach activities to identify and engage community members who may benefit from services and resources
• Provide access to a variety of resources such as referrals to community programs, support groups, community agencies and services
• Identify client needs and provide information and referrals to appropriate services, such as healthcare, housing, education/special education, entitlement programs, legal services, job training and other urgent needs
• Attend designated community meetings and events to network with stakeholders and build relationships
• Serve as a representative for the Exceptional Family Resource Center (EFRC) by attending community outreach events and activities and delivering presentations to community agencies as requested
• Identify key agencies to access programs and services for the benefit of the parents and child
• Develop positive relationships with members of the community and community service providers
• Introduce parents to social media sites, websites, and online resources

Project Administrative Support, Data Collection and Other Related Tasks 25%

• Maintain accurate and current referral records on project outreach and client engagement activities
• Collects and disseminates materials pertaining to services available to families
• Collect demographic information on families and maintain and update client record databases in accordance with EFRC policies and procedures.
• Participate in training and professional development opportunities to enhance knowledge and skills.
• Assist with the preparation of project outreach and education materials
• Assist the Program Specialist (CNP) with triage, assignment, and management of incoming client referrals
• Collaborate with EFRC Program Specialist(s) to track and document service outcomes
• Collect client record information and perform data entry tasks

Other Duties and Responsibilities as Assigned 5%

• Assist with other EFRC project activities and referrals periodically.

Qualifications:

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to navigate/utilize Microsoft Office (minimum requirement-beginner/intermediate skill level)
• Ability to reflect and promote intercultural awareness and work with culturally diverse individuals and communities
• Knowledge of local (San Diego/Imperial), statewide and national resources including but not limited to early intervention (California Early Start), regional center services (traditional/non-traditional-Self Determination) Individualized Education Program (IEP), Transition Part C to Part B and Adult Services, and Post-Secondary
• Ability to display motivation and strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to present information to both large and small groups in formal or informal settings
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality of participant, employee, and agency records
• Ability to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures
• Knowledge of systems of support: public education, healthcare social service programs, support groups, community agencies
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to display organization skills, attention to detail and meet deadlines
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, remotely and in person as needed.
• Ability to exercise good judgement and effective critical thinking skills
• Ability to discuss challenging issues related to family dynamics, health, disability, or education concerns
• Knowledge of social media and websites, digital resources
• Ability to navigate and use various social media platforms.
• Knowledge of EFRC mission, program, and services
• Ability to effectively interact/communicate with clients, professionals, coworkers
• Ability to obtain a valid California Driver’s license and/or dependable transportation to travel to offsite locations
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include weekends and evenings as requested
• Ability to accurately collect demographic information and maintain client records
• Ability to represent EFRC at community outreach activities and events

Experience/Education

• Completion of lower division coursework to successfully perform the required duties of the position or equivalent of 1-year of related experience.
• Experience as a parent/primary caregiver of a child/family member with a disability and accessing related services.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or a threshold language identified within San Diego/Imperial Counties.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL SKILLS

• Experience in home visitation preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, or related field.

• A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with SDSU Research Foundation.
• San Diego State University Research Foundation is an EEO/AA/Disability/Vets Employer.
• The COVID-19 vaccine is required by the CSU for all SDSU Research Foundation employees as a condition of employment. Should you be offered a position, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination status. Individuals who obtain an approved medical or religious exemption on file will be required to complete regular COVID-19 testing.