Family Peer Advocate & Intake Coordinator

Position Summary:

The Family Peer Advocate & Intake Coordinator is responsible for providing advocacy, education, and emotional support to families of youth referred to the Residential Treatment Facility (RTF). This role also serves as the primary contact for intake coordination, ensuring a smooth and supportive process for families and youth entering care, and providing hope to families and children. The Family Peer Advocate & Intake Coordinator works collaboratively with families, referral sources, and internal teams to facilitate access to services and provide essential information regarding treatment options.

Major Responsibilities:

Family Peer Advocacy Responsibilities:

• Provide peer support, advocacy, and education to families navigating the residential treatment process.
• Utilize personal lived experience to offer guidance and empathy to caregivers of youth with mental health challenges.
• Assist families in understanding available community and mental health resources and how to access them.
• Connect families with community supports that foster stability and resilience.
• Facilitate and coordinate family/parent support groups to encourage peer-to-peer engagement.
• Engage families in cultural, educational, and recreational activities to strengthen family cohesion.
• Advocate on behalf of families to ensure their voice is heard in treatment planning and service coordination.
• Maintain positive relationships with internal and external partners, ensuring families receive comprehensive and holistic support.

Intake Coordination Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for families during the intake and admission process.
• Conduct initial screenings and assessments to determine eligibility and suitability for the program.
• Gather and verify demographic information, insurance details, and required documentation.
• Collaborate with clinical supervisor, psychiatric services, and therapy team to determine appropriate placements.
• Work closely with referral sources to ensure a smooth transition for youth entering the facility.
• Communicate program expectations, policies, and treatment approaches to families in a compassionate manner.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to intake processes and family interactions.
• Monitor and follow up on pending referrals to ensure timely placement decisions.
• Conduct quality assurance reviews related to intake and family engagement.

Required Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED required; Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, or related field preferred.
• Lived experience as a parent or caregiver of a child with emotional or behavioral health challenges.
• Credentialed as a Family Peer Advocate (or willingness to obtain credentialing).
• Minimum of two years of experience working in mental health, social services, or related field.
• Strong knowledge of community resources and mental health systems in New York State.
• Excellent communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with intake coordination or case management is a plus.
• Proficiency in using electronic medical records (EMR) and other data systems preferred.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed.
• Valid New York State driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Competencies:

• Ability to work with diverse populations and demonstrate cultural competence.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to family-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based approaches.

Competitive Pay Rate of $23-$25 per hour based on education and experience

CFS offers full-time employees the below benefits to support our employees and their families and help to create a healthy work environment.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)
  –20 PTO Days (25 Days After Five Years of Employment)
  –14 Paid Holidays (includes 2 flex holidays)
  – Bereavement: Four Paid Days
  – Paid Jury Duty
• Employer Paid Life Insurance
• Medical, Two Plan Options
• Dental, Two Plan Options
• Vision Insurance
• Wellness Program and Incentives
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Quarterly Employer-Contributions
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Dependent Care FSA Retirement
• Employee Referral Bonus
• Qualifying Employer for Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)
• 403(b) Right Away and Employer-Contributions After Two Years

Diversity Statement: 

Within our agency and in the communities that we serve, C&FS is committed to diversity and inclusion with race equity at the center. Every day we work to promote safety, health, and wellness. We will not stop until Black, indigenous and people of color are free from racism and experience peace, prosperity and well-being.

Child and Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer: 

Child & Family Services provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran or familial status, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Child & Family Services complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Salary : $23 - $25