Family Peer Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Reports to: Youth ACT Team Leader

Program:  Youth Assertive Community Treatment   Westchester

Location: Tarrytown, NY (mobile) 

Hours per week: 35 hours

FLSA Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Annual Salary: $50,000

Join Us!  Join us at Greater Mental Health of New York, where our mission is to promote mental wellness through advocacy, community education, and direct services. We empower individuals and families on their unique journeys to recovery, honoring their rights to self-determination, choice, and collaboration. With evidence-based practices and a focus on trauma-responsive care, our dedicated team provides comprehensive services to thousands and fosters independence and resilience within our community. If you're passionate about making a difference in mental health and creating brighter futures for individuals and families throughout the Lower Hudson Valley region, apply today!

Benefits Summary

• Retirement: 403(b)-with employer contribution after 1 year of service
• Flexible Work Arrangements: subject to business needs, including hybrid options.
• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off-15 days per year
• Paid sick time-12 days per year
• Employer paid Holidays-11 days per year
• Professional Development: Opportunities for advancement, training programs, and support for certifications and continuing education.
• Additional Perks: Free EAP services and employee discounts (travel, hotels, movie tickets, theme parks, services, electronics, auto, shopping, and more)!
• Gym reimbursement through employer's medical insurance carrier.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): qualifying employer

After six months of employment, you are eligible to receive a retention bonus of $2,000

The Youth ACT Team serves children/youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) throughout Westchester County, who are returning home from inpatient settings or residential services, at risk of entering such settings, or have not adequately engaged or responded to treatment in more traditional community-based services. Youth ACT team delivers intensive, highly coordinated, individualized services and skilled therapeutic interventions through an integrated, multi-disciplinary team approach to better achieve success and maintain the child in the home, school and community. 

Summary Description:

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.