Family Engagement Liaison, Austin

Casey Family Programs, an Equal Opportunity Employer, is the nation’s largest operating foundation focused on safely reducing the need for foster care and building Communities of Hope for children and families across America. Founded in 1966, we work in 50 states, the District of Columbia and two territories and with more than a dozen tribal nations to influence long‑lasting improvements to the safety and success of children, families and the communities where they live.

Casey Family Programs values diversity, equity, inclusion, anti‑racism, anti‑discrimination, and respect for individuals in the workplace. We encourage candidates with diverse lived experience and perspectives to apply.

Child and Family Services (CFS) of Casey Family Programs provides direct services and tribal consultation in pursuit of Casey’s mission to provide, improve, and – ultimately prevent the need for – foster care. CFS operates nine field offices in five states and an Indian Child Welfare Programs office that demonstrate direct service and ICW improvement models. We share our experiences and lessons learned with jurisdictions, tribes, providers, and communities in the spirit of mutual continuous learning.

Our work is community and family centered, relationship‑based, participatory, and culturally responsive. We recognize the dignity and strength of every individual, family, community and culture.

Utilizing a collaborative, innovative, evidence‑informed, trauma and healing approach to practice, we engage families and community partners in the urgent, relentless pursuit of legal and relational permanency and well‑being for all children and families so that no youth ages out of foster care. Our clinical case management and support activities primarily occur within homes and in the community, with virtual options available, as necessary.

The Family Engagement Liaison leads and expedites services, supports and tools to promote permanency and enhance overall well‑being. Family Group Conferencing is one of the tools utilized by the FEL. Other tools used may include family finding and engagement, facilitating several types of family gatherings/meetings, (i.e., multi‑disciplinary meetings, ILTPs, Child and Family Team meetings) and other meetings that meet the needs of the family.

Family engagement is a critical component of the FEL role. The goal of all these interventions is to enhance the likelihood of achieving legal and relational permanency for youth/families served by CFS. The FEL has other substantial responsibilities as a liaison between staff, management, and community partners. The FEL facilitates engagement of families and community partners when it is necessary and participates in constituent engagement.

The FEL is actively involved in prevention work with families and partners and contributes to the efforts toward building Communities of Hope.

• Engages relatives and those the youth identify as important to them. Provides an orientation to CFS’ scope and services to youth and families. This orientation may include introduction to FGDM, FGC and other team decision‑making models. The engagement includes an assessment of the family’s culture, identification, and language.
• Via use of the FGDM and other teaming models, the FEL develops positive relationships with youth and families. Throughout the time the family is served, the FEL may lead the search for family resources. The FEL is responsible for advocating and elevating family voice, choice and decision‑making as services are implemented to support and strengthen the youth and family. The FEL also advocates that the family be at the forefront of all decision‑making regarding case planning.
• Related to FGDM and other teaming models, maintains written case records to include FGC Family Plans, and maintains on‑going communication with identified family resources. Follows all FGDM procedures and ensures that the program remains consistent with values, beliefs, and philosophy of the model (i.e., ensures fidelity). Attends all relevant trainings and participates in the delivery of training in accordance with the level of field office needs.
  
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