Family Outreach Specialist II - LMFT

Family Outreach Specialist II

The Family Outreach Specialist II serves as the lead resource for family engagement, family programming, and family support services within the CLEAR Initiative. Working within a trauma-informed, harm reduction-oriented framework, the position supports family members impacted by substance use disorders, overdose, mental health concerns, incarceration, and related challenges.

In addition to providing direct support and case management services to families, the Family Outreach Specialist II plays a key role in developing, coordinating, and strengthening the overall family support program. The position assists in creating family-centered programming, educational opportunities, support groups, community partnerships, and systems designed to improve outcomes for families throughout Fairfield County.

The Family Outreach Specialist II serves as a subject matter resource regarding family engagement strategies, Invitation to Change, family systems, and family-centered care. The position works closely with Family Outreach Specialists, Outreach Specialists, the Clinical Practice Lead, Hospital Liaison/System Integration Manager, and community partners to ensure that family needs remain integrated into service planning and program development.

The Family Outreach Specialist II assists in developing and facilitating family programming at Rest Here, including support groups, educational workshops, grief support activities, family engagement events, and other opportunities designed to strengthen family resilience and community connection.

This position does not provide formal personnel supervision but may provide mentorship, guidance, and support to Family Outreach Specialists and other staff participating in family-focused programming.

The position is grant-funded and limited to the term of the award.

• Serve as the lead coordinator for family support services within the CLEAR Initiative.
• Assist in developing and implementing a comprehensive family support program grounded in harm reduction principles, trauma-informed care, and Invitation to Change practices.
• Complete and maintain training in Invitation to Change and utilize the model when supporting families affected by substance use disorders.
• Coordinate family referrals received through law enforcement, hospitals, correctional facilities, schools, community partners, and internal CLEAR staff.
• Develop, facilitate, and evaluate family support groups, educational workshops, and family-focused programming.
• Assist in developing family programming at Rest Here, including family support meetings, educational opportunities, grief support activities, and community engagement events.
• Coordinate outreach and engagement efforts designed to increase awareness of available family services.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with schools, treatment providers, hospitals, recovery organizations, family support organizations, behavioral health providers, and community agencies.
• Support implementation of Handle With Care and other family-focused initiatives.
• Provide consultation and support to Family Outreach Specialists and other staff regarding family engagement, family systems, and family-centered care practices.
• Assist with development of educational materials, family resource guides, outreach materials, and family-focused training opportunities.
• Monitor program activity, referral trends, service utilization, and family outcomes.
• Assist with data collection, reporting requirements, grant deliverables, and documentation quality related to family programming.
• Participate in strategic planning and continuous quality improvement efforts related to family services.
• Identify service gaps and make recommendations regarding future family programming, partnerships, and resource development.
• Represent CLEAR family services at community meetings, conferences, trainings, and public education events.
• Provide direct family support, case management, care coordination, and systems navigation services as needed.
• Provide case management, grief support, and trauma-informed care to family members of individuals identified through CLEAR.
• Engage families through non-judgmental communication using motivational interviewing techniques.
• Accompany Outreach Specialists during coordinated Overdose Response Follow-Up Visits.
• Coordinate and participate in community outreach and events that provide education, recovery resources, harm reduction supplies, and overdose prevention tools.
• Partner with schools through the Handle with Care initiative to ensure trauma-informed responses are implemented for children impacted by substance use at home.
• Support families in accessing education-related services (e.g., attending IEP meetings), children's health care, and developmental services.
• Document consistently in Cordata and maintain shared care planning across the CLEAR team.
• Assist families in navigating services including detox/treatment, housing, primary and mental health…