Behavioral Health & Family Resource Coordinator

• EMPLOYER: Boys & Girls Club of Lake County (BGCLC)
• DEPARTMENT: Program Department
• REPORTS TO: Manager, Behavioral Health Programs (or Director of Programs if Manager role is unfunded)
• STATUS: Part-Time, Non-Exempt
• PAY: $36,000-$40,000 annualized salary
• START DATE: Immediate

HOURS: 28-29 hours per week. Position is based at the Genesee Clubhouse (hub site) with regular travel across BGCLC locations and occasional evening or weekend family meetings.

Summary

The Behavioral Health & Family Resource Coordinator serves as the central connector between BGCLC youth and families and community-based behavioral health, social-emotional, healthcare, housing, food security, and family support providers. This role does not provide direct clinical services. Instead, the Coordinator manages referrals, strengthens community partnerships, monitors service delivery, and supports youth and families in successfully accessing needed resources.

This position plays a critical role in ensuring youth and families do not fall through service gaps by facilitating timely referrals, tracking follow-through, coordinating warm hand-offs, and maintaining strong partnerships throughout Lake County.

Key Responsibilities

Referral & Resource Coordination

• Coordinate referrals to approved behavioral health and family service providers.
• Conduct family needs assessments and resource and benefits screenings, including SNAP, Medicaid, and All Kids.
• Track referral completion and follow-up outcomes through service engagement.
• Execute warm hand-offs to partner clinicians, including real-time referrals when escalation criteria are met.
• Support youth and families in accessing community resources and navigating service systems.
• Monitor referral outcomes to improve successful linkage to care and community resources.
• Coordinate and support community engagement initiatives that connect youth, families, and community members with wellness, behavioral health, mental health, or other supportive resources aligned with organizational goals.

Partnership Management

• Maintain relationships and current Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with community partner organizations.
• Coordinate partner-delivered workshops for youth, families, and staff.
• Facilitate regular communication and check-ins with priority partners to monitor utilization and identify service gaps.
• Participate in community coalitions and collaborative initiatives.
• Support the development and sustainability of referral pathways across Lake County service providers.

Staff Support & Consultation

• Support Club staff in identifying youth and families who may benefit from outside services.
• Coordinate partner-led staff trainings on trauma-informed and behavioral health topics.
• Serve as the first point of contact for staff seeking guidance regarding referrals and escalation procedures.
• Promote understanding of community resources and appropriate referral practices among Club staff.
• Support annual refresher training related to mandated reporting, de-escalation basics, and escalation protocols.

Data Management & Compliance

• Maintain referral, service, and outcome data within BGCLC's designated case management system.
• Track performance measures and grant outcomes.
• Support preparation of interim and final grant reports.
• Ensure documentation is accurate, timely, and compliant with organizational and funder requirements.
• Monitor referral engagement and follow-up benchmarks.

Clinical Escalation & Safety Protocols

• Follow established escalation procedures when youth or family members disclose suicidal ideation, self-harm, intent to harm others, suspected abuse, neglect, or active crisis situations.
• Execute warm hand-offs to designated crisis and clinical partners as required.
• Follow BGCLC mandated reporter policies and procedures.
• Notify supervisors promptly regarding reportable incidents and required escalations.
• Maintain clear boundaries consistent with the non-clinical scope of the position.

Program Operations & Team Support

• Travel between Club locations and community partner sites as needed.
• Maintain organized records and documentation.
• Collaborate with Program Department staff, community partners, and leadership to improve service coordination and family support systems.
• Contribute to the overall success of Project Thrive and related initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in human services, social services, public health, education, or a related field; OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum of two years of experience in resource navigation, referral coordination, case management, or family services.
• Working knowledge of Lake County social service, healthcare, and behavioral health systems.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain community partnerships.
• Strong organizational, communication, and data tracking skills.
• Experience working with case management or CRM systems.
• Understanding of mandated reporter responsibilities and willingness to complete required training.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to successfully complete all required background checks and screenings.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the United States.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Lived or professional experience in Waukegan and North Chicago communities.
• Youth Mental Health First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification within 90 days.
• Experience with benefits enrollment systems, including SNAP, Medicaid, and All Kids.
• Experience supporting grant-funded programs and outcome reporting.

Core Competencies

Resource Navigation & Coordination: Effectively connects youth and families to behavioral health, healthcare, and community support services while ensuring successful follow-through.

Relationship Building: Develops and maintains positive partnerships with youth, families, staff, community providers, and stakeholders.

Communication: Communicates clearly, professionally, and compassionately with diverse audiences.

Collaboration: Works effectively with partner agencies, Club staff, and community stakeholders to improve access to services.

Organization & Data Management: Maintains accurate records, tracks outcomes, and manages multiple priorities effectively.

Problem Solving: Identifies barriers to service access and develops practical solutions to improve family outcomes.

Safety & Compliance: Understands role boundaries, follows mandated reporting procedures, and implements established escalation protocols.

Professionalism: Upholds ethical standards, confidentiality requirements, and the mission and values of BGCLC.

Physical Requirements / Work Environment

• Ability to travel regularly between Club sites and community partner locations.
• Ability to work in active youth program environments.
• Ability to climb stairs and lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends to support family meetings, workshops, and special events.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use technology for documentation and communication throughout the workday.

Disclaimer

The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, nor be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this position.