Family engagement specialist

1. The facility clearly shall define, in writing, the responsibilities of family engagement specialists. The duties of the family engagement specialist must be devoted to the provision of family engagement and aftercare service supports to best meet the needs of the resident and the resident's custodian, parent, or guardian. The family engagement specialist shall maintain ongoing contact with the resident's custodian, parent, or guardian as a liaison to the resident's treatment in the facility and postdischarge aftercare planning. Tasks may include: a. Offering support to the treatment coordinator and the resident's treatment planning, while placed in the facility; b. Providing and coordinating aftercare services and supports which may include making referrals and scheduling appointments; c. Preparing the aftercare plan; d. Communicating with the aftercare client and custodian, parent, or guardian, in collaboration with the treatment coordinator, at least twice per month or more often as needed; e. Planning for crisis management and support to the aftercare client and the client's family; and f. Engaging with community providers to ensure continuity of services documented in the aftercare plan. 2. A family engagement specialist must have achieved the competencies necessary to implement family engagement strategies while the resident is in placement and coordinate an aftercare plan for no less than six months postdischarge. 3. The family engagement specialists must have a bachelor's degree or a high school diploma and have at least four years of experience working with children and families and have the competencies required by the facility to engage with children and families. 4. A facility shall have sufficient family engagement specialists to meet the needs of the residents and the resident's parent or guardian during placement and for no less than six months postdischarge. 5. The professional development and training records must document the family engagement specialist has had appropriate training to coordinate treatment services, including family engagement and trauma informed treatment.