Resource and Referral Specialist

About the Role

The Family and Community Centers will ensure that parents, agencies, school district personnel, counties, and other stakeholders have the knowledge, information, and procedures to use the foundational principles outlined in the New York State Education Department's Blueprint for Improved Results. This initiative aims to improve access, equity, and opportunity for all children and their families. Specific deliverables, performance measures, and monitoring procedures will be developed to evaluate the effectiveness of this contract and related outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Work within the parameters of the FACE regional work plan, updated annually.
• Demonstrate understanding and awareness of available regional resources.
• Conduct outreach to the community, pre-schools, school districts, residential schools, Early Intervention (EI), Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE), Committee on Special Education (CSE) entities, and other stakeholders to raise awareness of available resources.
• Provide information to the Office of Special Education to update and maintain the accuracy of a statewide Community Resource Map.
• Deliver clear and neutral information to schools, childcare centers, Head Start programs, and similar organizations.
• Provide comprehensive and accurate information to families to assist in their understanding of the special education process, including their rights and responsibilities.
• Collaborate with interagency community groups and Regional Partnership Centers.
• Assist with maintaining the resource library and FACE Center contact/resource lists.
• Assist in disseminating satisfaction surveys to families, school programs, and other agencies, and compile results.
• Track and report progress on work plan activities and deliverables.
• Collect and maintain all required statistical and other data, and prepare reports within established timeframes.
• Attend all mandatory agency and departmental trainings, meetings, sign language classes, and advocacy groups.
• Travel regularly throughout a multi-county service area.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, Education, Social Work, or a related field.
• One year of experience providing community outreach.
• Strong commitment to independent living philosophy, Person-Centered Planning, consumer choice, and integration of people with disabilities into all aspects of community life.
• Ability to effectively interact and work with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Demonstrated computer literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with email, cloud-based platforms, and databases. Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Professional work habits, including dependability, time management, independence, and responsibility.
• Knowledge of ethical and professional responsibilities and boundaries.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to multi-task and work effectively in both team and individual settings.
• Capacity to work in various settings, including education and community-based locations.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Work is typically performed indoors and requires minimal lifting of up to 10 pounds.
• Ability to sit or stand throughout the day to accomplish job tasks.
• Ability to enter data, notes, and other documentation into a computer.
• Must be able to travel throughout covered counties in and around the Southern Tier, including regional travel as needed.