Family Voice Forum Member Duties Statement

Position Overview

As a Family Voice Forum Member, you will serve as a voice for low-income families within the State of New York, to share ideas and assist with decisions that impact their lived and lives of others who benefit, or can benefit, from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA). You will advise OTDA leadership team to ensure that benefits and services overseen or administered by OTDA reflect the needs of the people served. As a forum member, you will have the opportunity to influence policies and procedures that directly impact families. The membership will not only allow you to enhance your leadership and advocacy skills but also provide exciting networking opportunities with community leaders and other impacted individuals and families.

Family Voice Forum members will receive a stipend for their time, as approved by the FVF Secretary, and reasonable travel expenses.

Family Voice Forum member duties:

1. Provide advice on the interests and concerns of individuals who receive or could receive a range of OTDA programs and services, based on the Forum member's own experiences. OTDA programs and services include, but not limited to:
   • Public Assistance (PA)
   • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
   • Housing Assistance Programs
   • Home Energy Assistance Programs (HEAP)
   • Child Support Services
2. Forum members are expected to provide feedback on how OTDA may improve its delivery of services and benefits to best meet the needs of the people we serve.
3. Review and evaluate existing programs and policies and provide recommendations for improvements based on lived experiences.
4. Provide the OTDA program recipient perspective to new programs, policies, and materials as they are being developed.
5. Work closely with the OTDA leadership team and district administrators to create family-centered policies and practices.
6. Participate in quarterly meetings, or additional meetings as the Chairperson may convene from time to time, to shape the direction of family services and programs.
7. Attend mandatory orientation and skill building sessions to familiarize with FVF goals and responsibilities.
8. Help assess the effectiveness of OTDA benefit programs to ensure they meet family needs and drive continuous improvements.
9. Submit meeting agenda item requests to the Chairperson for review.

Qualifications

1. Individuals with firsthand experience within the past 5 years navigating OTDA's services and systems.
2. A solid commitment to share their own experiences and use those experiences to advocate for the needs of families, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.
3. Comfortable speaking in group settings and sharing ideas with a wide range of stakeholders.
4. Ability to attend regular forum meetings, which may be held in-person or virtually.
5. Willing to work effectively as part of a team of staff, leadership, and other forum members.
6. Commitment to respect and maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information shared for FVF purposes, both by members or any other community member that is before the FVF.

To apply, please fill out the application below:
OTDA Family Voice Forum Application