This is a temporary position for 6 months
The Community Outreach Coordinator serves as the essential bridge between the Family Support Organization (FSO) and the families, youth, and communities it serves. This position is responsible for building awareness of FSO services, providing resources to Family Support Partners to assist them in supporting families of children with emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges, and strengthening engagement with system partners, community organizations, and the public. The Outreach Coordinator ensures that vulnerable populations are aware of and can access critical support systems within the NJ Children’s System of Care (CSOC).
Core Responsibilities
Community Outreach & Communications
• Clearly and effectively communicate the mission, services, and function of the FSO to families of children with emotional, behavioral, developmental, intellectual and/or substance use needs, mental health challenges and Youth Justice System involvement, as well as community leaders and stakeholders.
• Disseminate information about FSO services and the Children’s System of Care through community meetings, newsletters, brochures, email campaigns, direct mail, press releases, public service announcements, social media, and other platforms.
• Conduct public speaking engagements as an integral part of the role; represent the FSO at community events, conferences, agency meetings, and policy forums.
• Design and distribute promotional materials such as flyers, brochures, and newsletters to promote FSO programs and activities.
Family Support, Waitlist & Warm Line
• Manage the Warmline by providing support, education, advocacy, and information/referral to families in need of FSO assistance, including those not involved with the System of Care.
• Develop and provide services to families including support groups, educational forums, group activities, information and referrals.
• Develop advocacy skills among families by providing workshops, resources and preparation for meetings, system navigation, and enlisting volunteers to support the family movement.
• Manage FSO waitlist in accordance with FSOEC policy (see attached addendum)
Education & System Partner Engagement
• Provide ongoing education to system partners — including schools, child welfare agencies, health care providers, Youth Justice, and clergy — through presentations, forums, and informational sessions on family needs and the role of the FSO.
• Participate in local and state policy committees, advisory groups, and work groups.
• Engage CMO staff, families, and youth in learning about FSO services, supports, and Youth Partnership opportunities.
Volunteer & Community Development
• Develop and maintain an ongoing volunteer recruitment process to support all capacities of the agency.
• Build and maintain a community resource directory.
• Develop and solidify community partnerships and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in coordination with the Executive Director.
• Develop volunteer and intern opportunities within the organization.
Data, Documentation & Administration
• Input all Warmline, outreach, and program activity data into the Opeeka P-CIS database accurately and in a timely manner.
• Maintain detailed written records, sign-in sheets, and documentation for all outreach activities and events as required.
• Provide strategic planning input and monthly reports as required.
• Prepare and coordinate logistics for support groups, workshops, and community events including speakers, and room set-up.
• Facilitate the completion of the NJAFSO Annual CQI survey and FSOEC surveys per FSOEC policy
Qualifications
Required
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills with the ability to present to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational, planning, and time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and comfort using digital communication tools, databases, and social media.
• Must have a valid New Jersey driver’s license with an excellent driving record and reliable transportation; travel to families and community sites is required.
. Bachelor's Degree
Preferred
• Personal experience as a parent or caregiver of a child or youth with behavioral health, emotional, or developmental needs is strongly preferred; lived experience provides a powerful message of hope and significantly enhances family engagement.
• Knowledge of the NJ Children’s System of Care (CSOC), IEP process, special education eligibility and youth justice.
• History of local and county networking, community organizing, and strategic partnerships.
• Experience with training and/or technical assistance.
• Bilingual skills are a plus.
Work Expectations
Schedule: Monday–Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm with flexibility required for evenings and weekends to meet community needs.
Employment Type: Full-time - salaried
Work Environment: Primarily in-person; travel throughout the county is expected. This role includes a mix of office work, community events, and direct family engagement.
This organization is an at-will employer and reserves the right to amend, adopt, and/or change this job description at any time. This description does not constitute a contract of employment.
Who We Are
Family Support Organization of Essex County is a family-centered, family-driven nonprofit organization that provides peer support, education and advocacy for parents of children who have emotional, behavioral, mental health, substance use, intellectual and developmental challenges.
Our goal is to empower parents and caregivers to take control of their lives by building on their strengths and supporting them as needed. We work with other agencies to strengthen families in order to keep youth and healthy in their homes and communities
What We Do
The word “SEA” is an easy way to remember our commitment to families.
- Support families in identifying their strengths and building on them to address their needs and goals. Our staff assists families at critical times such as when a child is newly diagnosed, accessing services, involved in treatment planning with service providers, meeting with the child-family team, or with the child-study team.
- Educate parents/caregivers of their rights, responsibilities and resources that may be available to assist them to reach their family goals. Monthly educational sessions are also offered on a variety of relevant topics.
- Advocate on behalf of the family to ensure that their needs, rights and preferences are heard and honored to the maximum extent possible. Family Support Organization of Essex County ’s board and parent leaders also advocate for improvements in the various systems that serve children and families with complex needs.
Family Support Organization of Essex County direct 1:1 peer support is provided through an assigned Family Partner. This service is voluntary and is available to parents whose children are receiving care management services through Partnership for Children of Essex.
A Family Partner is a parent / caregiver who is a formal member of the child and family team for youth receiving care management services through Partnership for Children of Essex. The Family Partner’s role is to support the family, help them engage and actively participate on the team, and make informed decisions that drive the care planning process.
Family Partners have a strong connection to the community and are very knowledgeable about resources, services, and supports for families. The Family Partner’s personal experience raising a child with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs or intellectual/ developmental disabilities is critical to earning the respect of families and establishing a trusting relationship with parents.
The Family Partner can be a mediator, facilitator, or bridge between families and agencies, while supporting parents to find and use their own voices. Family Partners ensure each family is heard and their individual needs are being addressed. Family Partners may also communicate and educate agency staff on the values and principles of family involvement in systems of care, the importance of family voice and choice, and other key aspects of the family movement.