Military Family Resource Centre

Family Liaison Coordinator  

Job Description

The Family Liaison Coordinator (FLC) is a new position that has been established to support the individuals and families of Canadian Forces (CF) members coping with illness, injury, death and/or special need; this position works in conjunction with the Military Family Resource Centre (MFRC), a Non-Profit Organization, and the Integrated Personnel Support Centre (IPSC) in delivering standardized yet tailored, consistent care, service and support. The FLC, a civilian position, will report to the Executive Director of the MFRC, but will be physically located within the IPSC office, (SW, Calgary, AB) which is a unit within the CF. This position is centrally funded through Director Military Family Services (DMFS).

Essential Duties

• Tailor the entire suite of Military Family Services Program (MFSP) services to respond to the needs of families of CF personnel who are coping with an illness, injury and/or special need
• Advocate on behalf of families of CF personnel who are coping with an illness, injury and/or special need
• Provide or support the development of educational and awareness sessions and resources pertaining to: transition, change management, crisis management, family violence, impact of injury
• Maintain and develop strong community partnerships with both civilian and military organizations
• Collaborate on the coordination and provision of general information briefs for chain of command, CF personnel, and CF communities

The MFRC Family Liaison Coordinator will also provide services and programs to support the following in relation to supporting individuals and families of Canadian Forces personnel coping with illness, an injury, and/or special need:

• Education and Prevention
• Provide education and awareness, including offering workshops and information sessions, about general and unique health and lifestyle stressors associated with occupational injuries, illness, special needs and casualty support, in order to prevent or manage crisis
• Collect and make available web-based and print resources relating to stress management, lifestyle transition and injury management

• Self Help Groups
• Connect individuals and families to develop peer support networks
• Involve participants in the planning, design, facilitation and evaluation of groups
• Establish ongoing links with community-based self-help groups
• Facilitate self-help groups to help individuals cope with separation and divorce; single parenting; critical incidents; casualty support; injury management; lifestyle transitions; impact of occupational injury; illness; special needs and/or casualty management

• Assessment and Referral
• Ensure families are aware of and have access to information on relevant programs and services to help them cope with the injury, illness and/or special need of their family member.
• Allow family members to develop a better understanding of their assets and needs
• refer to appropriate community services and resources
• Provide intake/assessment services
• Establish and maintain a database of community services that provide counselling, support and assistance to families

• Short-Term Intervention/Crisis Support
• Support individuals and families in times of crisis or imminent crisis
• Offer or arrange prompt intervention assistance to individuals and families
• Facilitate referral to appropriate agencies/organizations
• Provide follow-up and ongoing support as required

• Casualty Support Child Care
• Provide child care or child care support to families in the event CF personnel become ill, injured or die while serving
• Offer training to child care providers on the unique needs of children living in CF families coping with illness, injury and/or special needs
• Help to develop the family’s child care plan

Position Requirements

• Masters of Social Work and eligible for registration within their professional designation
• Minimum 1-2 years work or personal experience with the Canadian Forces
• Minimum 1-2 years experience working with and providing support to families and/or individuals in crisis and crisis program implementation
• Understanding of MFRC programs and services to appropriately provide referrals to services and supports (e.g. Emergency/Respite/Casualty Support/Casual Child Care, Employment Assistance, etc)
• Thorough understanding of CF communities, systems, policies, practices and military life-style issues in order to effectively assist families
• Knowledge of civilian/provincial agencies and organizations with applicable support services and programs
• Understanding of, and ability to use, strength based philosophy and approach
• Exceptional organizational and inter-personal skills
• Bilingual capacity is an asset
• Must have a valid Alberta Drivers License and clean driving record
• Must pass a security and police check

Salary and Application Process

Salary range is contingent upon qualifications/experience . The MFRC offers a 37.5hr work week, and the FLC must be able to handle a flexible schedule based on the needs of the community and their clients, including emergency situations, evenings and weekends.

To apply please send your cover letter and resume to Colleen Rowe, Executive Director, at colleenrowe@shawbiz.ca no later than Friday, February 12 th, 2010.

Please be advised that only successful applicants invited for an interview will be contacted. Thank you in advance to all applicants.