Family Peer Advocate: Family Support

Family Peer Advocate

Reports to: Lead Family Peer Coordinator

Location: 1603 Court Street, Syracuse NY 13208

Pay Rate: $19.72 - $20.91 Hourly

Schedule: M-F: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The people we care for come from all walks of life, and so do we. We strive to diversify our workforce, not because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our agency stronger!

About Us

With a history stretching back more than 70 years, AccessCNY is continually growing and expanding our reach. Offering person-centered services that empower individuals of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential as part of our community. Our focus is supporting individuals by ways of residential housing, mental health and clinical services, and immersing our participants in community engagement. Working closely with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and the Office of Mental Health, we support 27 housing locations and 3 administrative buildings.

About the Role:

We are looking for a proactive employee to use one’s own experience and judgement to assist families of youth involved in behavioral health, developmental disability, education, child welfare, and related systems.

Responsibilities include:

o Provide strength-based, family-centered support to children, youth, caregivers, and families

o Establish consistent contact with assigned families in the home, community, school, or mutually agreed upon location

o Maintain an assigned caseload and provide ongoing support, engagement, advocacy, and follow-up based on family and program needs.

o Assist families/caregivers with identifying needs, goals, strengths, and barriers impacting stability and access to services

o Provide support and education to increase caregiver advocacy and system navigation skills

o Assist families/caregivers with accessing behavioral health, developmental disability, educational, healthcare, and community-based services and supports

o Support family voice, choice, and involvement throughout service planning and coordination

o Utilize trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and family-driven approaches when working with families

o Participate in on-call rotation and/or crisis support activities, as assigned

o Establish and maintain positive working relationships with schools, providers, care managers, hospitals, county departments, community organizations, and support services

o Assist families/caregivers with obtaining referrals, resources, and supports needed to maintain family stability

o Participate in meetings with youth/families, providers, schools, and other involved systems, as requested

o Participate in outreach activities, tabling events, family engagement events, and community education opportunities

o Support implementation of System of Care initiatives and family engagement activities

o Represent the Integrated Systems of Care initiative in a professional and family-centered manner

o Complete all program documentation in a timely manner, including but not limited to: service notes, outreach tracking, behavioral data, assessments, program outcomes, and related reports

o Provide person-centered, quality services

o Demonstrate effective time management skills

o Observe confidentiality and safeguards regarding all participant-related information

o Follow Agency standards and procedures

o Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, as well as company policies

o Perform Other Duties as Assigned

Education & Experience

High school diploma/GED, required. Lived experience as a parent/caregiver of a child or youth with social, emotional, behavioral, mental health, developmental disability, or other complex support needs, strongly preferred. Family Peer Advocate certification, preferred. Individuals not currently certified must complete certification within two years of hire, with support provided consistent with Agency policies and program requirements.

Conditions of Employment

Must have a valid NYS driver’s license in accordance with the Agency Vehicle and Driving policy and transportation necessary to meet program needs.

Did you know that AccessCNY offers great health, dental and vision insurance for employees working 30 hours or more weekly? Additionally, we provide a 401(k) match upon hire, PTO, and 11 paid holidays.