Per Diem Family Advocate

What You Will Do

• Applies mutually shared and lived experiences navigating the systems of care as a caregiver. Serves as a role model, advocate, and mentor for children and families 
• Assists with obtaining and maintaining clients’ entitlements, including Medicaid, Public Assistance, SSI as well as assisting with problems related to housing or utilities 
• Interviews clients and significant others, when appropriate, in order to obtain personal histories and to understand the social and emotional factors related to the client’s mental health problems 
• Participates in frequent active engagement with families to engage them in receiving services and assists in empowering them to take the steps necessary to maximize their quality of life 
• Develops inventory of resources that will meet the clients’ needs as identified in the assessment process
• Advocates for and assists clients in utilizing adjunctive community resources. Arranges transportation and accompanies clients to appropriate facilities/agencies, as necessary 
• Provides linkage, coordination with, referral to and follow-up with other service providers. Monitors appointments medical facilities, social service agencies or other providers of concrete services 
• Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to discuss care needs and identify solutions to support clients/consumers/members 
• Attends planning meetings with service providers to coordinate service plans 
• Initiates written (including clinical and progress notes) and verbal communications, and ensures that all patient record keeping is in compliance with agency, state, city and federal requirements 
• Participates in agency and community programs and education, as requested 
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, staff meetings, quality assurance meetings, and supervision meetings as required 

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license (i.e., license matching state of residence) required
• Credentialed family peer advocate preferred

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in social work, health and human services or a related field preferred
• Two or more years of equivalent and relevant experience in a social service agency OR an equivalent combination of the education and experience preferred

Work Experience:

• Minimum of one year of experience in a mental health or social service setting with emphasis on family support services and/or family psycho-education required
• Lived experience as a caregiver for children with behavioral health needs in accordance with the New York State Office of Mental Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. required
• Bilingual skills may be required as determined by operational needs