Overview:

The Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress (MDSC) Family Support Coordinator provides overall coordination of parent support services within MDSC including oversight of the Parents’ First Call Program in Massachusetts.

Responsibilities include recruiting, training, and supporting First Call parent mentors; interfacing with DS support group leaders throughout Massachusetts; supporting outreach to health care professionals including to all MA maternity hospitals; ensuring full, timely support for all new families that are referred to the MDSC; developing program materials; maintaining accurate records to document services to families; and measuring the effectiveness of program services through implementation of outcome measurement evaluations. Provides a key role in organizing outings, gatherings, and support groups for families of children ages newborn to age twelve. Educates the community about MDSC with a special emphasis on healthcare professionals through presentations and exhibits at conferences, meetings, and community events throughout Massachusetts. The Family Support Coordinator also works with other members of the MDSC staff to plan and implement the MDSC Buddy Walk and Annual Conference.

The MDSC is a vibrant non-profit (501c3) organization whose mission is to ensure individuals with Down syndrome in Massachusetts are valued, included, and given opportunities to pursue fulfilling lives by providing information, networking opportunities, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome and their families, educators, health care professionals, and the community-at-large.

Definition of Position:

The Family Support Coordinator reports directly to the Family Support Director and works to ensure the strong implementation of family-based programs and services for the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Parents’ First Call Program

Recruits, trains and supports 40+ First Call parent mentors across the state in collaboration with our genetic counselor consultant.
Continually updates training program for First Call parent mentors.
Ensures First Call parents offer broad coverage of geographic areas, as well as cultural diversity, language and a variety of special health care needs.
Enhances First Call support roles, such as cardiac support, prenatal support, and resource parent support.
Responsible for updating First Call materials, including brochure, referral forms, and new parent packages and sends out packets to all new families on a timely basis.
Ensures timely connections and support for all new families.
Responsible for connections with 50 maternity hospitals in MA through written correspondence as well as coordinating visits from First Call parent mentors.
Maintains current list of First Call contacts and Support Group leaders for website and newsletter.
Documents all program activities and initiates outreach to encourage strong participation at MDSC events, such as Buddy Walk and annual conference.

Training

Continually updates healthcare professional presentation which educates professionals regarding Down syndrome in general, MDSC, Parents’ First Call, and resources to support expectant and new families.
Collaborates in planning statewide Support Group Leader annual meeting.

Program Evaluation, Communications

Writes articles and reports on MDSC Family Services including newsletter articles to keep the membership, donors, and others updated about MDSC programs and services.
Provides information to our webmaster to keep our website up-to-date with information and resources for families.
Follows and engages with social media to provide important information, connections and online supports for our families.

Other

Represents MDSC by answering family support calls (including our 800 number calls) and online requests by responding to all requests on a timely basis.
Plans and implements support groups, workshops and social events periodically to meet the needs of new and expectant families as well as for those with specialized needs.
Coordinate Grandparents virtual support group in collaboration with the Grandparent group leader and arrange for quarterly guest speakers/activities
Represents MDSC at conferences, meetings and resource fairs as needed to promote the program and make connections to other care providers.
Attends Board meetings periodically and prepares First Call/Outreach written reports as needed.
Other duties as assigned by the supervisor or Executive Director as needed to accomplish the overall goals of the organization

Training, Skills, and Experience Required:

Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work, human services or other related field. Minimum of 7 years’ experience in working in family support and disability services.

Must have exceptional interpersonal skills, including strong listening and empathy traits, with the ability to guide parents who are experiencing strong emotional responses. Must be very intuitive and caring. Excellent presentation skills, including large-group forums. Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, staff, MDSC members, volunteers and donors; ability to represent organization in a highly professional manner building a positive reputation for the organization in the community; ability to travel throughout Massachusetts; ability to work evenings and weekends to participate in meetings and events.

To apply: Please submit cover letter and resume to resumes@mdsc[dot]org

Massachusetts Down Syndrome Congress

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Family Support Coordinator