Summary The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the installation non-clinical case liaison for the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP). Serves as a liaison and works closely with military families to coordinate services and supports with health care professionals, military and community service agencies, recreational programs, and special education resources. Manages, monitors and supports the member's progress from enrollment through transition out of the Navy. Responsibilities Program Management duties comprise 20%: Implements the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) in assigned Area of Responsibility (AOR) and conducts ongoing assessment of its consistency and effectiveness. Identifies program needs and challenges and presents recommendations and assistance to influence policy compliance issues. Stays abreast of Department of the Navy (DON), SECNAV, OPNAV, and CNIC policies and interprets/articulates their meaning, priorities and intent. Participates as assigned in the Inclusion Action Team (IAT). Ensures collection of data in compliance with policies and guidance. Facilitates the development and collaboration of installation EFMP outreach and awareness campaigns to include planning of local events. Participates in coordination and execution of special needs camps, support groups for EFM families, special events and workshops coordinated by the EFMP. Collaborates with eligible families to coordinate use of the Navy services, such as Respite Care Priority Housing and TRICARE Extended Care Health Option (ECHO). Works in concert with the EFMP team to ensure the program works effectively to support families while maintaining compliance with all legal and regulatory guidance. Training duties comprise 20%: Ensures command EFMP personnel are properly trained to provide briefings to commands that include eligibility, maintaining confidentiality, and available support services. Develops, updates and maintains installation EFMP education, outreach and public affairs programs, to include awareness briefings for command, unit, community organizations, individuals and families and distinguished visitors. Develops and facilitates workshops and trainings on EFMP and other topic of interest to families and commands. Maintains personal records of required and completed staff training as well as, professional development trainings completed to comply with program requirements and to gain knowledge to enhance ability to provide up-to-date and relevant service and support. Case Management duties comprise 60%: Communicates directly with each assigned EFMP family case upon notification of assignment to offer support services. Interviews and assesses individual client and family circumstances upon and during enrollment to identify and evaluate their special needs and situational stressors, determine services for appropriate assistance, provide tailored guidance and updated information on services to improve quality of life and track progress of activity. Maintains a case file in the Navy Accountability and Assessment System (NFAAS) for each assigned EFMP family that includes the Installation Support Privacy Consent Form and detailed contact notes. Documents and maintains current records in the Fleet and Family Support Management Information System (FFSMIS), as required. Assists service members and their families with accessing available resources and services to support individual needs. Educate and inform families on Special Education documentation and support services, i.e. school services, access to therapies, related resources, and workshops, etc. Facilitate effective communication and meeting planning strategies that will further empower families with effective tools to self-advocate for their exceptional family member. Prepares for and participates in meetings between military families and special needs support professionals to develop the Individual Education Program (IEP) and/or 504 plans. Following a IEP and/or 504 plan meeting, provide ongoing special education support to families, guardians and individuals as they monitor the effectiveness and execution of IEP and/or 504 plans and request changes to plans as their needs evolve. Screens, updates and retains all required forms and other supporting documentation related to case evaluation and assessment, utilizing NFAAS, in accordance with regulatory and policy guidance as established by DOD and Navy. Tracks the status of the EFMP within their AOR to include family circumstances, areas needing improvement, effectiveness of activity progress, and provides updated information on services to improve quality of life. Prepares evaluations and recommendations to assist eligible members in connecting with appropriate resources and services. Maintains a detailed and consolidated portfolio of services/resources available for special needs families on the installation and in the local community. Identifies conflicting or incomplete case information and works with family to update in order to provide proper recommendations, determine status and eligibility of enrollment of members. Researches and analyzes trends impacting families with special needs, identifies needs that are not being met for planning and assessment purposes, and reports and shares findings with leadership, management and action groups. Organizes work and sets short- and long-term priorities. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in behavioral or social science, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, such as: psychology, sociology, anthropology, or counseling. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. OR Experience: Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. AND Knowledge of the dynamics of Exceptional Family Member Program and local community resources for families enrolled in the program. Knowledge and understanding of requirements and operations of DoD and Department of the Navy (DON) Exceptional Family Member Program. Ability to work with military families. Knowledge of SECNAV and OPNAV policies and procedures. Ability and skillset to provide effective trainings and briefings. Ability to identify needs of families and trends, to provide recommendations for process improvement. Knowledge of military and community support programs. Knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and other disability civil rights laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Ability to effectively communicate both orally and in writing clearly, concisely, and effectively. Ability to develop trusting helping relationships and work effectively with individuals and families from diverse racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite software (PowerPoint, Word, Excel) and of virtual training and meeting platforms. Education Bachelor's degree (or higher degree) in behavioral or social science, or related disciplines appropriate to the position, such as: psychology, sociology, anthropology, or counseling. OR Combination of Education and Experience: A combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. OR Experience: Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field. Additional Information Executive Order, all Federal employees are required to remain drug free throughout their employment. Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic Command is a Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated, and use of or intoxication by illegal drugs will result in penalties up to and including removal from Federal Service.
