POSITION TITLE:
SPAN Family Resource Specialist – Warmline
SPAN TEAM:
Individual Assistance Team
SPAN PROJECT:
Building Bridges to Success: Parent Training & Information Center (PTI)
LOCATION:
In-Person – Newark Office
POSITION TYPE:
Part-Time, 15 hours per week
REPORTS TO:
PTI Project Co-Director
SALARY:
$19.00 – $22.00 per hour
ABOUT SPAN
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families as advocates and partners in improving outcomes for infants, toddlers, children, and youth. SPAN’s mission is to empower families and inform and involve professionals and others interested in the healthy development and education of children and youth. Through information, education/training, leadership development, individual assistance, and systems advocacy, SPAN works to ensure that all families have access to the information, resources and support they need to thrive. Learn more at www.spanadvocacy.org.
ABOUT THE PTI PROJECT
Through the Building Bridges to Success Project, SPAN serves as the federally-funded Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) for the state of New Jersey. The project is funded under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to help parents/caregivers/families of children birth to age 26 navigate the early intervention and special education systems and access resources and support. Parent Centers provide families assistance and free information about special education topics, state and federal laws, and other resources to help them effectively participate in their children’s education and development.
POSITION SUMMARY
Are you looking to make a difference for families in New Jersey?
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network (SPAN) seeks a part-time Family Resource Specialist (FRS) to support families of children and youth with disabilities through SPAN’s Warmline. The FRS is a trained peer, often a parent or caregiver of a child with a disability or special need, who helps families understand and navigate the special education system.
Through this part-time (15 hours per week), in-office position, the FRS provides individualized information, guidance, resources, and technical assistance to help families understand their rights, responsibilities, and options.
The FRS also support strong family-professional partnerships and serves as a trusted point of contact for families, schools, community organizations, and other agencies.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Respond to caller requests for information, resources, and support.
- Help families understand special education laws, processes, and options.
- Connect families to appropriate services, supports, and resources.
- Promote meaningful family participation in decision-making opportunities.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners.
- Maintain accurate records, correspondence, activity tracking and reporting.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
- Follow SPAN policies and procedures, and perform other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Interest/experience in education, social work, human services, or a related field.
- Interest/experience in working with families.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work with diverse families and communities.
- Ability to work independently with strong organization and follow-through.
- Working knowledge of state, regional, and local community resources preferred.
- Comfort using a computer, phone systems, data collection tools, and virtual meeting platforms.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work in SPAN’s Newark office and travel occasionally for meetings, trainings, and SPAN events.
- Bilingual skills and lived experience as a parent, caregiver, or family leader are highly valued.
BENEFITS
- 403(b) Retirement plan
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Generous paid time off and holidays
- Professional development opportunities
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is valued and respected. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.
HOW TO APPLY
For immediate consideration, please forward the following documents to hr@spanadvocacy.org.
- A letter of interest describing qualifications and accomplishments.
- A current résumé.
- A list of three professional references: Name, Organization, and Contact Information.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
Join our team and help empower families, strengthen partnerships, and create lasting impact across New Jersey.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is this a remote position?
No, this is an in-office position based at SPAN’s Newark office. Occasional travel is required to attend quarterly staff meetings, professional development sessions when offered, and SPAN events at various locations across NJ.
Is this a position with night and weekend hours?
This position offers some scheduling flexibility and generally does not require night or weekend hours. Occasional Saturday availability may be needed for an annual SPAN conference or special events.
