Position Classification Description

Position Class Code / Title: H1035 / Family Specialist
Recruitment Tier: Tier 1
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Grade: 10

This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.

The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.

Summary

Performs needs analyses, and designs and delivers specialized education, technical assistance, and information to specified child, youth, and/or adult community or school-based services programs statewide, as a consumer specialist in the service needs of children and/or youths within a specified target population. Provides advocacy for clientele and/or their families on a community and state basis.

Duties and Responsibilities

  1. Analyzes and assesses the technical assistance needs of various individual services programs statewide, and delivers technical assistance as appropriate.
  2. Develops and delivers on-site family-centered training programs and workshops to service providers, family members, state policy makers, funding agency staff, and state personnel, as appropriate.
  3. Develops and maintains outreach programs for parents and families of targeted individuals, as appropriate to the goals and objectives of the overall program; facilitates related seminars, meetings, and special projects.
  4. Utilizes applied, consumer-based knowledge of state and federal disability systems and regulations in the provision of technical information and assistance to providers and clientele.
  5. Performs literature research, and develops and disseminates a variety of disability-specific informational materials; contributes as a writer to newsletters and other informational circulars as appropriate.
  6. Develops and delivers presentations to state and national conferences on family-centered practices.
  7. Serves as advocate for clientele with disabilities and their families at various community levels, as appropriate to the objectives of the program; evaluates effectiveness of efforts and makes appropriate adjustments to approach.
  8. Reviews state and national family-centered initiatives and makes recommendations to funding agencies, policy makers, families, and providers, as appropriate; participates in advisory and work groups as requested.
  9. Participates as a committee member in the development of department training systems, policies, and procedures, as requested; provides input as appropriate into organizational and strategic program planning.
  10. May write or assist with writing of grants and proposals.
  11. Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Job Requirements

  • High school diploma or GED; at least 4 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
  • Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
  • Ability to develop and deliver presentations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Knowledge of manual and automated literature research resources and techniques.
  • Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
  • Personalized knowledge and understanding of the unique needs of children and/or youths with developmental disabilities and their families.
  • Knowledge of Federal and State regulations, guidelines, and systems dealing with disabilities.
  • Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
  • Ability to coordinate and organize meetings and/or special events.
  • Ability to assess training needs and design and develop responsive curriculum.
  • Knowledge of advocacy principles and processes.
  • Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.

Conditions of Employment

  • Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
  • Specialized experiential background requirements may apply for certain positions in this classification, depending on specific program objectives.
  • Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

  • No or very limited physical effort required.
  • No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
  • Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.

The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.

Revised Date: 05/30/2021