Family Connection Specialist

CASES (Center for Alternative Sentencing and Employment Services) is seeking a Family Connection Specialist (FCS) for its Bronx-based Expedited Engagement Program (EEP). The Family Connection Specialist will engage young adults ages 18-25 and their families who may be experiencing barriers to mental health and behavioral health services, particularly individuals impacted by racial inequities and disparities in access to care. The FCS will conduct timely outreach to referred individuals and families, identify service needs, provide psychoeducation and supportive engagement, and facilitate connections to appropriate behavioral health, health, housing, education, employment, and other community-based resources.

The FCS will use a strengths-based, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and person-centered approach to build rapport, address barriers to service access, and support individuals and families in connecting with services that align with their identified needs and preferences. Responsibilities will include community outreach, individual and family engagement, resource navigation, advocacy, crisis support, and follow-up to promote successful connections to ongoing services. The FCS will also develop and facilitate psychoeducational activities and workshops addressing trauma, racism, racial inequities, and their impact on mental health and overall well-being.

This position is based in the Bronx Community Office and requires community-based fieldwork throughout designated Bronx neighborhoods and other NYC communities as needed.

The Expedited Engagement Program is designed to reduce barriers to behavioral health services and improve access to community-based supports for young adults and families. The program recognizes that individuals may experience overlapping challenges related to mental health, substance use, housing instability, economic hardship, education, and social support. The FCS will help individuals navigate these challenges by building trusting relationships, providing information and support, and facilitating connections to appropriate resources and ongoing care.