Family and Community Liaison; Community Outreach Specialist

INDIANA INSTITUTE ON DISABILIT (UA-IIDC-IUBLA)

The Center for Behavior and Systems Innovation (CBSI), building upon the nationally recognized HANDS in Autism® model established in 2004, advances implementation of evidence-based practices through training, consultation, systems innovation, resource development, and community-engaged research. The Center builds 'local capacity' by partnering with autistic individuals, families, educators, healthcare providers, employers, community organizations, and state agencies to improve outcomes across educational, healthcare, employment, justice, and community settings.

Guided by the philosophy that evidence-based practices are 'Essential for autism, beneficial for all,' CBSI develops practical tools, professional learning opportunities, implementation supports, and resources that strengthen systems serving individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), neurodevelopmental disabilities, behavioral health needs, and broader communities. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, implementation science, and responsive partnerships, the Center remains agile in addressing emerging community, statewide, national, and international needs while advancing Indiana University's (IU) missions of teaching, research, and service.

The Family and Community Liaison serves as a shared resource and team member across the Center for Behavior and Systems Innovation (CBSI) and the Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA), bringing lived experience and community perspective to strengthen family engagement, resource navigation, and systems improvement efforts.

• Works collaboratively with Licensed Social Workers, Training Specialists, Instructional Designers, Navigators, and interdisciplinary project teams.
• Helps individuals and families navigate complex service systems while informing the development of responsive resources, educational materials, and implementation supports.
• Elevates family voice and lived experience to improve partnerships, identify emerging community needs, and strengthen local capacity across Indiana and beyond.
• Serves as a liaison between individuals, families, community partners, and Center staff to strengthen communication, engagement, and access to supports.
• Provides peer-informed guidance, resource navigation, and systems support to individuals and families across the lifespan.
• Assists families in understanding available services, community resources, educational options, healthcare systems, transition planning, and evidence-based supports.
• Builds relationships with community organizations and stakeholder groups to improve coordination and awareness of available resources.
• Ensures lived experience perspectives are integrated into Center initiatives, educational resources, implementation efforts, and community partnerships.
• Gathers and communicates family feedback to inform continuous improvement of programs, services, resources, and implementation efforts.
• Identifies emerging needs, barriers, and opportunities experienced by individuals and families and collaborate with Center leadership to develop responsive solutions.
• Represents the Centers at community events, advisory groups, conferences, and outreach activities.
• Collaborates with Licensed Social Workers, Training Specialists, Instructional Designers, Navigators, and operational teams to develop and update family-centered resources, implementation tools, educational materials, and community supports.
• Assists with development and delivery of trainings, presentations, webinars, and family engagement initiatives.
• Reviews, organizes, and maintains family-facing resources to ensure materials remain current, accessible, culturally responsive, and reflective of lived experience.
• Supports development of resource registries and monitoring processes that facilitate timely updates and dissemination across both Centers.
• Maintains documentation of community interactions, resource requests, and outreach activities consistent with Center procedures.
• Participates in evaluation, quality improvement, and community feedback initiatives.
• Supports interdisciplinary projects, grant-funded initiatives, and strategic planning activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned in support of Center priorities and community engagement.

• Designs and implements educational outreach programs, workshops, and learning experiences for community audiences.
• Develops instructional materials, presentations, and educational…