Family Engagement Specialist

Cornell Human Ecology explores the complexity of human life. We bring together a range of perspectives to understand the full context of the human experience and improve lives at every scale, from cells to society. Our research and academic programs focus on the interaction of humans with their biological, economic, social, and physical environments. Using Cornell's far-reaching extension network and the college's translational research methods, we deliver our findings directly to communities and families, ensuring that our work reaches those who need it most.

The ACT for Youth Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Center of Excellence (ACT CYSHCN COE) is housed in the Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research (BCTR), which is located within Cornell University's College of Human Ecology. The BCTR mission is to improve professional and public efforts to understand and deal with risk and protective factors in the lives of children, youth, families, and communities that affect family strength, child wellbeing, and youth development. Translational research, as defined by the College and the BCTR, is the systematic application of research findings into the development of innovative interventions, practices, and policies that may ultimately improve health and well-being. The knowledge derived from these interventions feeds future research.

The goal of the ACT CYSHCN COE is to increase the flow of information and use of evidence-based practices between New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), Local Health Departments (LHDs), communities, and families/caregivers of children and youth with special health care needs across New York State. This work is done through positive youth development approach, promoting child/adolescent well-being by connecting research to practice. ACT for Youth connects youth development research to practice and offers guidance to adults who care about the well-being of young people.

Our Mission

The ACT (Assets Coming Together) for Youth Center for Community Action promotes positive youth outcomes and works to reduce risky behavior among youth by advancing the principles of positive youth development and supporting the implementation and evaluation of evidence-based programming.

What You Will Do

While position responsibilities vary, every member of our community is expected to foster a culture of belonging and a psychologically healthy work environment by communicating across differences; being cooperative, collaborative, open, and welcoming; showing respect, compassion, and empathy; engaging and supporting others regardless of background or perspective; speaking up when others are being excluded or treated inappropriately; and supporting work/life integration of oneself and others.

The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Center of Excellence (COE) is seeking a compassionate and skilled Family Engagement Specialist to ensure that the voices of families and CYSHCN are integral to the planning and implementation of improved services, information, and resources provided by Local Health Departments (LHDs) in all 62 counties across NYS. The specialist will focus on elevating family perspectives and fostering inclusive, equitable engagement across diverse communities. The person in this role will be responsible for 1) developing and updating family/community engagement plans with all NYS LHDs; 2) implement strategies to ensure diverse family/caregiver representation and engagement; 3) design, conduct and analyze feedback from family/caregiver listening sessions and surveys; 4) develop and present summaries of family/caregiver feedback to NYSDOH, LHDs, and other stakeholders; 5) establish, manage, and facilitate activities of an advisory council composed of youth with special health care needs and their families/caregivers. This program is delivered throughout New York State, and on occasion, nationally; travel is required for this position.

The successful Family Engagement Specialist will embody collaboration, empathy, adaptability, and effective communication skills. You will be joining a dynamic team where collaboration thrives and colleagues support one another, creating a positive and inclusive environment that fosters creativity and innovation. We are looking for candidates who not only bring the right skills but also value teamwork and team spirit.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Experience incorporating the perspectives of multiple communities, including communities of color.
• Ability to serve as an advocate for individuals of all ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds.
• Personal or professional experience with a child or youth with special health care needs, including but not limited to serving as a guardian/caregiver of a child or youth with special health care needs.
• A Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Public Health, Health Education, or a related field and 3-5 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with diverse families and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Experience with or knowledge of issues related to health equity and the ability to address disparities in health care access and services.
• Experience designing and conducting surveys, focus groups, or other methods for gathering qualitative data.
• Must have and maintain a valid US driver's license; may be required to operate a motor vehicle (your own vehicle or Cornell-owned) to travel to/from job sites.

Preferred Qualifications:

• A Master's degree in Social Work, Public Health, Health Education, or a related field and 3-5 years of relevant experience.
• Experience working with organizations to promote family engagement.
• Experience working with local health departments or similar public health organizations.
• Experience working with children and youth with special health care needs, including familiarity with their unique challenges and needs.
• Familiarity with systems of care for CYSHCN and their families.
• Previous experience in advisory council formation or management.

For consideration, applicants are required to submit the following materials online:

1. Resume.

2. Cover letter that describes previous experience and fit for the role.

This is a one-year, fixed-term position based in Ithaca, NY on Cornell University's campus. Annual renewal for 5 years (or more) is possible contingent on available funding, work, and successful performance. This hybrid role requires a minimum of three days in-person and up to two days remote work each week.

No visa sponsorship or relocation assistance are provided for this position.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in US without sponsorship. Employment will end upon the expiration of work authorization in the US. Continued employment in this position is subject to eligibility to work in accordance with US immigration laws.

Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: https://hr.cornell.edu/benefits-pay.
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: https://hr.cornell.edu/jobs/your-total-rewards.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

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