Family Support Liaison (FSL): The FSL assists the Director of Waiver Services at multiple operational levels to ensure that our PAC (Participant Assistance & Care) department complies with state regulations and meets the needs of those enrolled. The FSL is an essential team member who serves as a liaison between direct support staff (AAMs), the individualized support team (IST), and the Director of Waiver Services. You provide direct advocacy, problem-solving, crisis support, and coaching on activities of daily living to clients and families. You develop and maintain strong working relationships with team members and develop ongoing referral relationships with participants’ health and social service systems. An important aspect of FSL's role is to ensure that documentation and communications are accurate and up to date so that the agency can provide excellent, client-centered support. This requires an understanding of the policies and procedures of Family Support Waiver (FSW) services. The FSL represents R&R at client team meetings and provides accurate, up-to-date information on PAC services while advocating on behalf of the participant. The FSQA plays a key role in filling in when AAMs cannot meet with participants, which can happen at the last minute. You provide daily assistance to PAC DSPs, program participants, and families as needed, such as attending intake meetings, annual and quarterly meetings, reviewing budgets, and training staff for individuals served. You will manage and calculate service hours based on individual service authorizations (budgets). You play an important supportive role by collaborating with the Director of Waiver Services in various ways, such as scheduling staff supervision, facilitating training, and encouraging participants to attend Social Program events and community outings. The focus will be on each participant's development and growth, as well as the role of our Adaptive Abilities Mentors (AAMs), who provide direct support to PAC recipients.

Education Requirements: The Family Support Liaison will hold a bachelor’s level degree in the human services field or provide evidence of equivalency through years of experience working in the human services industry. (High school degree and two or more years of business administration experience.) Experience working with individuals with special needs is a must.

Specific Qualifications: The Family Support Liaison must provide evidence of the following skills and proficiencies:

• Compassion towards individuals needing behavioral and practical support.
• Demonstrate respect for the differing strengths and abilities of individuals and knowledge of how to draw out the best in others.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and oral and written communication skills.
• Be an active listener, and offer support and encouragement.
• Professionalism, discretion, and judgment.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in reporting and following processes and procedures.
• Demonstrate leadership among your team by giving feedback to AAMs, the Director of Waiver Services, and other team members.
• Problem-solving abilities to clearly identify problems and work creatively to solve them.
• Interpersonal skills are needed to model respectful interactions among program participants, AAM, and other team members.
• The capacity to take charge while still addressing the concerns and individuality of your team members.
• Effective time management skills include determining what’s most important and managing your own time and your team’s time accordingly.
• Demonstrate an understanding and implementation of the strategies and techniques in Behavior Support Plans as applicable.
• Maintain confidentiality in matters of agency operation, personnel, and clients.
• Supports all existing agency policies, principles, and missions.
• Exercise good judgment in the performance of all duties and responsibilities, including maintaining good boundaries and professional conduct.
• Ability to travel to locations within the service area to meet with clients and attend team meetings.

Major Duties: The major duties of the Family Support Liaison include, but are not limited to:

• Thoroughly understand the duties and responsibilities of the AAMs.
• Assures the rights of clients are adhered to within BDS policies and guidelines.
• Assist participants and families in getting the information and support they need to help them live their best lives.
• Facilitate the maintenance of participant files and in-home binders to ensure they are up-to-date every month.
• Assist the Director of Waiver Services in assuring that AAMs are following client-centered goals, providing assistance with daily living activities, and meeting all service standards.
• Assist with the implementation of initial and ongoing training as needed to ensure successful relationships and client outcomes.
• Oversee and maintain the at-home personal binders, which may include completing them and ensuring they are in the home within 30 days of the start of services, and ensuring that the binder is up-to-date and accurate.
• Attend all client IST meetings and come prepared for each meeting with up-to-date goals, available hours, and other pertinent information. If the FSL cannot attend an IST meeting, she/he must contact the Director of Waiver Services or CEO to ensure someone can go instead.
• Oversee AAM shift scheduling and work with the Director of Waiver Services to identify and resolve workplace problems.
• Comply with and participate in all required R&R training and supervision.
• Fill in for staff hours if regularly assigned AAM calls off to assist with meeting client’s needs, such as attending medical appointments, grocery shopping, or other necessities.
• Assist in resolving emergencies that might occur while the AAM is with the client.
• This position requires travel within a 60-mile radius of South Bend.
• Attends staff meetings and in-service training as needed.

Responsibilities and other Requirements:

• Responsibly handling confidential and time-sensitive material.
• Valid driver’s license, safe and reliable vehicle, and full coverage insurance.
• No previous criminal record.
• Current First Aid and CPR certification. (Training can be provided but will be required before hire.)
• Ability to pass a background check and drug test.
• Have regular access to a PC with internet service and maintain a smartphone with data.
• Complete orientation, all ongoing training, and other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

Supervision: The Family Support Liaison reports directly to the Director of Waiver Services.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: Hybrid remote in South Bend, IN 46617