Teen Care Advocate

Position Summary:

The Teen Care Advocate plays a critical role in ensuring that teens and their families feel supported and empowered throughout their Partial Hospitalization (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Program journey. Acting as a bridge between families, teens, and the care team, this role ensures smooth communication, addresses concerns, and provides resources to help families navigate their mental health recovery process. The Teen Care Advocate is a dynamic, innovative professional passionate about adolescent mental health and family-centered care.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Care Coordination

• Serve as the central point of contact for teens and families, guiding them through program entry, participation, and transition.
• Collaborate with clinicians, educational liaisons, and external providers to coordinate care and ensure treatment plan goals are aligned.
• Support discharge planning, including referrals to continued care, school reintegration, and community-based resources.

2. Family Engagement & Support

• Develop trusting relationships with parents/guardians to help them understand and participate in their teen's mental health journey.
• Facilitate family sessions focused on education, communication, and supporting their teen’s progress in the program.
• Provide tools and strategies to help families sustain a supportive environment post-program.

3. Teen Advocacy

• Act as a voice for teens, ensuring their concerns, preferences, and goals are represented in care discussions.
• Partner with program staff to create individualized strategies that resonate with teens and promote engagement.
• Empower teens to articulate their needs and participate actively in their treatment process.

4. Resource Navigation

• Assist families in understanding and accessing insurance benefits, financial aid, and local mental health resources.
• Maintain a database of educational and community resources specific to teens, such as after-school programs, peer support groups, and recreational opportunities.
• Educate families about higher levels of care and the continuum of mental health services when needed.

5. Program Innovation & Feedback

• Regularly solicit feedback from families and teens to enhance program offerings and the overall care experience.
• Contribute to the development of workshops, support groups, and psychoeducation sessions tailored to families of teens in PHP/IOP.
• Stay informed of trends in adolescent mental health and family advocacy to bring cutting-edge practices to the program.

6. Documentation & Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of family interactions, teen progress, and resources provided.
• Collaborate with program leadership to track outcomes and measure program impact.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, education, healthcare administration, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years in a mental health, social work, or care navigation role, with experience in adolescent behavioral health preferred.
• Skills:
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage complex family dynamics with sensitivity and professionalism.
• Knowledge of adolescent development, mental health systems, and community resources.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work some evenings or weekends to accommodate family schedules.
• Commitment to maintaining a compassionate, family-centered approach.
• Knowledge of HIPAA and other privacy regulations.