Family Peer Advocate

Family Peer Advocate

The Family Peer Advocate (FPA) is a parent or caregiver who is raising or has raised a child with serious mental health concerns and is personally familiar with the associated challenges and available community resources for children and families. The FPA is an active member of the Youth ACT Team. The FPA acts as a role model, educates parents and caregivers about self-help techniques and self-help group processes, teaches effective coping strategies based on personal lived experience, teaches symptom management skills, assists in clarifying and supporting rehabilitation, recovery and resilience. These services provide the support necessary to ensure engagement and active participation of the caregiver in the treatment planning process and support the ongoing implementation and reinforcement of skills. Services are delivered in a trauma informed, culturally and linguistically competent manner. The FPA will facilitate the use of natural and community supports and resources. The FPA will support recovery by providing services that reflect our deeply held values that include the recognition of individual rights of self-determination, choice, shared decision-making and collaboration. When possible, the FPA will utilize evidence-based practices; always embracing a trauma-informed and person-centered approach.

Responsibilities:

• Engage caregivers in a variety of strategies to work toward identified goals, including but not limited to: strengthening problem solving skills; providing mentoring; engaging in community resource exploration; and providing life skills support
• Document progress and maintain a permanent record of activity according to established agency policy/procedures and program guidance.
• Practice with a person-centered, trauma informed philosophy in alignment with the values of GMH.
• Help to shape the team's culture to one that promotes person-centered, recovery-focused, strengths-based service delivery.
• Assist in family engagement and retention activities to promote optimum involvement with the team, including helping team to maintain a family-focused, recovery-oriented approach.
• Maintain appropriate professional standards.
• Responsible for adhering to all standards and guidelines established by applicable regulatory authorities.
• Participate in daily morning team meetings.
• Due to the nature of the position, ability to work a flexible schedule is required.
• Other designated and related duties.

Competencies:

• Knowledge of the signs of psychiatric crises, engagement skills, de-escalation techniques.
• Familiarity with and ability to use an Electronic Health Record system.
• Experience understanding family systems based on diversity of cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Highly organized, detail oriented, and self-motivated.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Timely and accurate documentation in accordance with GMH documentation policy.
• Ensure that all productivity expectations are met.
• Meet all professional development & training expectations.
• Demonstrated ability to relate well to and engage caregivers and family members.

Requirements:

• Must be a parent or caregiver who is raising or has raised a child with serious mental health concerns and is personally familiar with the associated challenges and available community resources for children and families.
• Must be eligible for the Family Peer Advocate Provisional Credential and be willing to participate in the training toward Family Peer Advocate Professional Credential within required timeframes.
• Strong computer knowledge: typing, communication tools, scheduling tools and web browsers.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and database management systems.
• Fluency in English (Reading, Writing, Speaking).
• Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
• Must have a valid Driver's License and a driving record that is satisfactory to our insurance carrier.
• Must maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification.
• Must be cleared and maintain clearance by applicable regulatory clearances as required.
• Legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Special Considerations :

• Hours per week, reporting structure, and location are subject to change per program needs.

Mandated Reporter:

This is a Mandated Reporter position. The NYS Justice Center legislation defines anyone who has regular and substantial contact with any person with special needs as a "custodian" under the law and, therefore, a mandated reporter. You can be held liable by both the civil and criminal legal systems for intentionally failing to make a report.

Greater Mental Health of New York is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Greater Mental Health of New York is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request a reasonable accommodation, contact the Human Resources Department.