Family Support Coordinator

**ROLE SUMMARY**

The Family Support Coordinator is accountable for providing time-limited and goal-oriented supports and services primarily to individuals with developmental disabilities living at home with their families, but may also provide supports to individuals who live independently, within the shelter system, in Long Term Care (LTC) facilities or treatment beds that are not able to self-advocate. Aligning with the “community of practice” approach, works in partnership with the individuals and their families, promotes best practices around inclusion, offers a coordinated access point to guide individuals to the resources/services needed, and provides them with necessary advocacy and support.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

**Case Management**
- Meets with individuals with a developmental disability and their families in their homes and/or in various community settings and initiates a planning process (e.g., Person-Directed Plan) that lays out their distinct needs and goals, helps identify necessary services, and outlines ways they can participate in community activities.
- Gathers previously completed assessments from Developmental Services Ontario, medical professionals (e.g., psychologists), school boards, the individual’s family, and others to obtain the individual’s history, and determine their needs and goals.
- Helps individuals develop a plan to clarify their strengths and needs, make choices, set goals, and connect with the resources appropriate for their needs.
- Utilizes a holistic, systems and case management approach to assess abilities, develop an individual program plan, and determine resources needed to enable individuals to live at home with their families.
- Applies a mediator model, empowering the individual and their family to access resources that will help them achieve their goals and meet their own needs.
- Seek sustainable solutions to challenging circumstances that are directly impacting on the quality of life of the individual and their family Advocacy
- Advocates on behalf of individuals and their families, serving as a liaison with Community Living Toronto, the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, Clinical supports and community partners.
- Identifies gaps in supports or services and works closely with community agencies, mental health professionals, therapists, and medical and legal practitioners to provide individuals with the best possible options; advocates for short
- or long-term supports or services where none exist
- Promotes and supports participation and inclusion in the community, encouraging social interaction and facilitating connections to social/recreational programs.
- Coordinates links to specialized services and professionals as required to meet the complex needs of the individuals and their families.

**Outreach**
- Participates on committees with families and community partners to enable communication, information sharing, and collaboration regarding the needs of the individuals so they will be better able to serve them.
- Promotes practices that are respectful and sensitive to diverse communities, including age, culture, and language.
- Participates in formal clinical conferences with community partners to: identify or clarify complex issues regarding an individual’s status, needs, and goals; review activities including progress and barriers towards goals; and strategize on potential solutions.
- Delivers presentations and attends open house events, promoting the development and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities, with a view to strengthening positive relationships between the individuals and their community and promoting inclusive living.
- Facilitates establishment of circles of support and other informal support networks, helping individuals to become connected in the community, and to make friendships and relationships.

**Program Administration**
- Adheres to all policies and procedures established by Community Living Toronto and meets the performance expectations of the position in a manner that demonstrates compassion and respect for all persons.
- Maintains necessary individual and program reports and statistics; ensures all records, reports, and documentation pertaining to service delivery are accurate, complete, and in compliance with organizational and legislative policies and procedures.

**KEY RELATIONSHIPS**
- Professional services providers: Takes a lead role to coordinate multiple service systems to ensure the family & individual are fully supported. Acts as liaison, explaining what the individual needs in terms of services (e.g., to medical or legal personnel, Children’s Aid workers, housing, ODSP) and facilitating access.
- Employers: Advocates on behalf of individuals in employment-related matters.
- Community partners: Actively collaborates with other agencies to improve quality, accessibility, and availability of services.
- Individuals/Families: Explains what supports are available and