I would like to ask your assistance in recruiting applicants for a Family Engagement Support Specialist to work with a project funded by the Models for Change project (John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation). As one of two partnering Texas counties in this initiative, we at Tarrant County Juvenile Services are working closely with our local MHMR to implement improvements for families of youth with mental health issues who come into the jurisdiction of Tarrant County Juvenile Services. This position will be working in an advisory capacity to our department concerning the improvement of family engagement on behalf of youth with mental health needs, and we intend to recruit a family member or caregiver of a young person with mental health needs. Ideally, we would be seeking someone who has also had experience with our department. The position is funded for one year only, and we expect to pay approximately $20 per hour. We hope to be able to hire someone for 35-40 hours per week no later than October 1, 2010. The position will work directly with our Clinical Services Coordinator (Dr. Jennifer Farnum) and Ms. Debby Butler, Deputy Assistant Director for Specialized Caseloads. Because the position is considered temporary, there are no other benefits in the compensation offer. I have attached a copy of the job description. Please pass it on to individuals or organizations who might have interest. A response can be as simple as a resume mailed to me: Lyn Willis, 2701 Kimbo Road, Fort Worth, TX 76111, or a phone call to 817-838-4641 if there are questions about the position. Thanks so very much for your assistance. Lyn Willis, Assistant Director Tarrant County Juvenile Services Tarrant County Job Description Effective Date: August 2010 Grade: Temp FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Salary: Hourly $20/hour IDENTIFICATION: Position Title: Department Title: Department: Division: Family Engagement Support Specialist Same Juvenile Services Specialized Services I. BACKGROUND In collaboration with staff of Tarrant County Juvenile Services and MHMR of Tarrant County, this position will assist in the implementation of the Mental Health and Juvenile Justice Action Network s (MHJJAN) family engagement initiative. The Mental Health / Juvenile Justice (MH/JJ) Action Network was established in 2007 to lead innovation and reform for youth with mental health needs who enter the juvenile justice system. The Network, funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and coordinated by the National Center for Mental Health and Juvenile Justice, represents a collaborative effort of eight states. JOB PURPOSE This position has a three-pronged focus. 1-5
(1) The incumbent will serve as a co-trainer of local juvenile justice staff on the family engagement curriculum (under development). (2) The incumbent will provide ongoing consultative support and technical assistance to juvenile probation officers in their work with specific youth in the juvenile justice system who have mental health needs and their families. This may include working with staff to identify barriers to family engagement, participating in parent education programming, case staffings and team meetings. (3) The incumbent will provide ongoing consultative support and technical assistance to the local juvenile justice organization on family engagement activities. He or she will provide a "family voice" to advocate for families and advise justice system policy and practices that are supportive of improved family engagement. The incumbent will identify practices supportive of family engagement, will document barriers, and will provide recommendations for organizational growth. As part of a team, the incumbent will work under general project supervision with limited latitude to exercise initiative and independent judgment. Occasionally, the incumbent may be required to work non-traditional hours and travel. II. PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES: a. Work collaboratively with the local and state implementation team of the MHJJAN to plan, implement and evaluate efforts to improve family engagement with families whose children have involvement in the justice system; b. Assist in the assessment of the organizational culture as it relates to parent and youth experiences through needs assessments, family focus groups, and other methods to evaluate the experiences of families. c. Provide a family voice regarding juvenile justice agency policies and procedures regarding family engagement based on knowledge of family and youth experiences while under juvenile justice supervision; d. Observe and contribute to discussion of high-risk cases at various intercept points with the juvenile justice system to promote quality development of family engagement practices; may coach and mentor with juvenile officers in individual interventions with families; e. Develop strategies to improve advocacy and communication between and among parents, agency staff, service providers, and educators; f. May attend case audits, Resource Staffing meetings, or local Community Resource Coordination Group (CRCG) meetings to help staff and families of juvenile justice youth voice their needs in treatment planning; g. Participate in project data collection as requested, such as number of referrals, resources/services, surveys of family members, identifying unmet needs of families and barriers to obtaining services; and h. Perform all duties in compliance with applicable federal, state and departmental policies and procedures, including confidentiality, security, attendance and safety. III. PHYSICAL/MENTAL CHARACTERISTICS: See attached. IV. WORK SITE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: See attached. 2-5
V. EQUIPMENT USED VI. KNOWLEDGE OF LAWS, REGULATIONS, AND POLICIES/PROCEDURES: Incumbent will participate in cross-systems trainings. VII. PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: 1. Knowledge of and the ability to navigate available community resources for family services; 2. Working knowledge or the ability to learn systems of care and the requirements of the multiple systems which impact child and family, including the court and justice systems and the local mental health and mental retardation provider; 3. Ability to incorporate strengths-based concepts and practices; 4. Skill in project management, including organizing, setting time frames, prioritizing and setting goals, keeping records and logs of project activities; 5. Skill in developing and implementing strategies to improve communications among agency staff, service providers and parents; 6. Skill in researching, designing, and conducting presentations for large groups; 7. Skilled interpersonal relations, including strong oral and written communication skills with diverse audiences, the ability to establish rapport, and exercise good judgment; 8. Skill in establishing excellent relationships among agency programs, parents, and other community stakeholders; 9. Skill in using a personal computer, other standard office equipment and common software programs (MS Word, Excel, and Outlook); and 10. Ability to work flexible hours as necessary and travel as needed; VIII. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor s Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Clinical Psychology/Sociology, Guidance and Counseling, Criminal Justice, Family Relations, an Interdisciplinary Degree in a Social Science, or Rehabilitation. Two (2) years experience working with families or youth in a community setting. OR Associate s Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Clinical Psychology/Sociology, Guidance and Counseling, Criminal Justice, Family Relations, an Interdisciplinary Degree in a Social Science, or Rehabilitation. Three (3) years experience working with families or youth in a community setting. OR High School Diploma or GED with four (4) years of experience working with families or youth in a community setting, such as mental health or juvenile justice organizations, community volunteer activities, or working with families and youth in probation or MHMR organizations. AND Personal experience as a family member/caregiver of a child with mental health problems, knowledgeable about local mental health advocacy efforts. Preferred: 3-5
Documented experience in a leadership role in a relevant area (professional mental health associations, juvenile justice or mental health organizations; Personal experience with a local juvenile justice system preferred; Bilingual and bi-literate English/Spanish. Note: Work experience may be in volunteer or paid positions. Recognized licensures (LCDC, LVN) may be substituted for required experience. X. PERSONAL AND PUBLIC CONTACT: This position requires extensive internal and external contacts. The employee will accomplish this with advanced written and verbal skills. XI. TRAVEL a. This position requires occasional overnight travel, up to 5% annually. b. This position requires (reimbursed) local travel of up to 25% in personal vehicle XII. SUPERVISORY RELATIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES: a. Supervisors: Dr. Jennifer Farnum, Clinical Services Coordinator Ms. Debby Butler, Deputy Assistant Director, Specialized Caseload b. Supervises: N/A XIII. SIGNATURES: I have reviewed this job description, it has been discussed with me, and I understand the performance expected of me. The above job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an employee assigned this job. This information is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Employee Name (Printed): Employee Signature: Date: Supervisor Name (Printed): Supervisor Signature: Date: 4-5
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