Behavioral Health Coordinator - Sioux City

The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Child Health Specialty Clinics (CHSC), is seeking a 50% Family Navigator.   Position is specified term through June 30, 2025 with strong likelihood of renewal.  This position is located in Sioux City, IA.  

The Family Navigator is a professional staff member who is also the parent or primary care giver for a child or youth with special health care needs. The Family Navigator partners with families to identify and prioritize family needs; identifies and facilitates access to community services, including overcoming barriers to accessing services; models and coaches healthy coping strategies; promotes family strengths, advocacy skills and right to self-determination; and provides emotional supports by listening to concerns and sharing experiences.

Partner with families and Early ACCESS providers to develop, review and update the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

Develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with families by maintaining monthly contact with families and ensuring that families are knowledgeable about service options as their child grows and changes.

Develop and maintain positive and productive relationships with community agencies and service providers, parent to parent networks, support groups and CHSC staff members.

Collaborate with all providers and community partners to meet the needs of the families.

Coordinate services across agencies, and advance services.

Maintain and expand knowledge base about community, state and national resources and services.

Coach families on how to partner with service providers and make decisions about their child’s care.

Assist families to identify and prioritize goals along with supporting the family in implementing their goals.

Coach families on developing advocacy skills, empowerment strategies, and preparing for meetings. This assistance could occasionally include meeting with families at an offsite location.

Assist families as needed in applying for specific programs including assisting families in completing applications for services and obtaining assistance from agencies and programs selected by families.

Serve as liaison between families and service providers and participate in Early ACCESS home visits.

Practice trauma-informed care in serving families.

Achieve and/or maintain certification relevant to Early ACCESS service coordination in addition to completing Early ACCESS service coordination verification requirements.

Provide timely, accurate documentation of service/care coordination activities.

Maintain a designated work schedule.

Perform all other duties as assigned. 

Required Qualifications:  

 A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience as a parent or primary care giver managing the care of a child with a special health   care need.

Experience working with community partners and resources for children with special health care needs.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including capacity to demonstrate positive interpersonal skills and work as a cooperative team member.

Proficiency in computer software applications, including demonstrated experience in using email and using the internet for locating resources.

Ability to travel in surrounding geographic area; and hold a valid driver’s license, plus the ability to meet the University of Iowa Fleet Safety Program driving standards (University of Iowa Operations Manual Part V, Chapter 19. 

Desired Qualifications:

Experience serving in an advocacy role for families with a child with a special health care need.

Previous experience that demonstrates leadership skills.

Experience working or collaborating with Child Health Specialty Clinics programs and/or Early ACCESS.

Experience as a caregiver of a child with an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) or an IFSP.