(Hybrid) Family Resource Specialist (Eastern Panhandle) - Center for Excellence in Disabilities

The Center for Excellence in Disabilities at West Virginia University is currently accepting applications for a (Hybrid) Family Resource Specialist for the Center for Excellence in Disabilities (Eastern Panhandle)

About the Opportunity

The Family Resource Specialist provides professional family support, systems navigation, and care coordination for families of children with disabilities and complex medical conditions. Grounded in lived caregiving expertise, this role partners with families as active participants in decision-making and supports access to medical, educational, and community-based services.
The Specialist serves as a trusted resource for families and professionals by translating complex policies, coordinating across systems, and representing family perspectives in regional and statewide collaborative settings.

This is a hybrid position, which means employees are expected to do a combination of office-based, community-based, and remote work. Evening or weekend hours may be required for support groups or community meetings. This position will be primarily based in the Eastern Panhandle and will require frequent travel within the following counties: Berkeley, Jefferson, Morgan, Hampshire, Grant, Hardy, Mineral, Tucker, Randolph, and Pendleton.

We strongly believe in work-life balance and keeping time for things we love outside our work. WVU offers generous benefits, including:

37.5-hour work week
13 paid holidays (staff holiday calendar)
24 annual leave (vacation) days per year (employee leave)
18 sick days per year (for when you're ill, for when you need time to care for sick family, for your own, or your family's, regularly scheduled medical appointments. Who is family for the purpose of this leave? A lot of people in your life including immediate relatives and in-laws as well as others considered to be members of your household living under the same roof)
WVU offers a range of health insurance and other benefits
401(a) retirement savings with 6% employee contribution match, eligibility to continue health insurance, and other retiree perks. Looking for more retirement benefits information? Check out retirement health insurance benefits, retirement income, and FAQ's.
Wellness programs

What You'll Do

• Engage with families to understand their needs and goals and provide individualized systems navigation, referral support, and follow-up across healthcare, education, and social service systems.
• Establish and maintain relationships with the Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) Title V program, community providers, case managers, and other agencies serving children with disabilities and their families.
• Connect families to appropriate services and supports and assist with applications for programs including, but not limited to, SSI, Medicaid, I/DD Waiver, CDCSP, CSED, CSHCN, and other state, federal, and community-based resources.
• Provide consistent follow-up to families as they navigate access to services and encounter barriers.
• Engage families as active, core partners in care and decision-making using culturally responsive and family-centered approaches across in-person, virtual, and phone-based interactions.
• Serve as a subject-matter resource for families and professionals regarding special education processes, including IEPs, 504 Plans, procedural safeguards, and educational transitions.
• Provide consultation and guidance on drafting written requests for educational evaluations, services, and accommodations.
• Support families through medical, educational, and life-stage transitions by providing information, planning support, and referrals.
• Facilitate weekly virtual and monthly in-person support groups for parents and caregivers, grounded in the Strengthening Families Protective Factors framework to help families build social connections, parental resilience, knowledge of child development, social and emotional competence, and provide concrete support in times of need.
• Identify and promote opportunities for accessible recreation, social engagement, and family leadership development.
• Maintain active participation in local Family Resource Networks by attending at least two meetings per month within the assigned region.
• Deliver program presentations and outreach activities at least annually or as needed.
• Collaborate with CSHCN nurses, social workers, and care coordination teams to ensure integrated service delivery.
• Represent families and the program on the WV Family-to-Family Advisory Committee and at least one additional advisory board or committee focused on disability or family systems.
• Contribute lived expertise and professional insight to systems-level discussions, planning, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Collect, document, and enter data related to referrals, services, activities, trainings, and outcomes in accordance with program and reporting requirements.
• Maintain accurate and confidential client records in compliance with HIPAA and
  organizational policies.
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development related to disability services, special education, healthcare navigation, and family engagement.
• Stay current on relevant laws, policies, and best practices impacting children with disabilities and their families.
• Performs other CSHCN or CED duties related to the mission and purpose of the position as assigned by supervisor.

Pay Grade: 16

• Bachelor's degree in social work, education, human services or a related field; OR four years of related professional experience supporting individuals or families and assisting with navigation of healthcare, education, disability, or community service systems.
• A minimum of six (6) months of related experience including:
  • Systems navigation, service coordination, or family support
  • Experience supporting individuals or families with complex needs
  • Experience facilitating meetings, trainings, or group activities
• Any equivalent combination of related education and/or experience will be considered.
• All qualifications must be met by the time of employment.
  

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Ability to apply professional judgment, discretion, and sensitivity when supporting families in complex or confidential situations.
• Knowledge of or ability to apply family support practices, disability service systems, special education processes (including IEPs, 504
• Plans, and procedural safeguards), healthcare navigation, and peer support principles.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to explain complex policies, systems, and procedures clearly and compassionately both orally and in writing, and to compose routine correspondence.
• Ability to effectively present information and provide technical assistance in one-on-one and small group settings for families, community partners, and professionals.
• Knowledge of or ability to identify technical assistance resources, assistive supports, and appropriate referrals for children with disabilities and their families.
• Ability to facilitate meetings, support groups, trainings, or program presentations for families and community partners.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and community partners including healthcare providers, educators, and community organizations.
• Ability to problem solve, take initiative, and exercise sound judgment in carrying out responsibilities.
• Ability to research, evaluate, and share resources for appropriateness and accessibility.
• Ability to interpret and apply program, university, and state policies and procedures to support families and program activities.
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate multiple responsibilities, prioritize tasks, and determine priorities, set deadlines, and complete projects in a timely manner while independently managing workload. Proficiency in basic office and documentation systems including email, virtual meeting platforms, word processing, spreadsheets, and electronic records.
• Demonstrated ability to use a personal computer and standard office software to maintain records, track activities, and prepare reports or correspondence.
• Ability to quickly learn organizational, programmatic, and administrative policies and procedures and apply them to unique work situations.
• Ability to maintain consistent attendance and punctuality and manage work responsibilities independently.

• Valid driver's license

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We invite all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or Veteran status.