The Family Peer Support Specialist is an active member of the Choices' Jefferson Parish Mobile Crisis Team and provides support services to consumers and families who have experienced a behavioral health crisis. Under supervision of the Lead Clinical Evaluator, the Family Peer Support Specialist functions as a role model for guardians; serves as a    consumer advocate, has lived experience with their child having had a behavioral health diagnosis, and providing consumer or family information for continued stabilization. The Family Peer Support Specialist performs a wide range of tasks that relate to assisting guardians in regaining optimal functioning within the community for their youth. The incumbent   will support and uphold a commitment to racial and ethnic equity and antiracism. 

The Choices Jefferson Parish Mobile Crisis Team are responsible for 24/7 mobile emergency responses for youth and adults experiencing a behavioral health crisis in Jefferson Parish. The MCS team operates from a strengths-based perspective, collaborating with first responders, community stakeholders, clinical leadership, and fellow mobile crisis responders. The MCS team will work within a culture of crisis prevention, making every effort to ensure individuals are effectively stabilized within their home and community whenever possible. The MCS team will ensure appropriate follow-up for individuals who have experienced a crisis event and ensure linkage to ongoing supports and services, operating in an enhanced localized crisis response system contributing to the goal of increased community stabilization.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Can articulate the mission, vision and practices of the MCS program consumers. 
• Communicates the practice expectations of the emergency response system to consumers, community partners, and funders. 
• Responds to crisis referrals according to Choices’ policy. 
• Provides back up when requested if contacted by first responders. 
• Adheres to the policies and protocols established by Choices for the management of a 24/7 mobile crisis response system. 
• Incorporates the guiding principles and values of Systems of Care into their interactions with youth and families, fellow team members, Choices staff and system partners. 
• Communicates effectively with Choices Leadership Team to ensure collaborative efforts and proactive response to issues and and concerns. 
• Maintains positive working relationships with co-workers.
• Follows established strategic plans and quality improvement procedures to achieve stated goals and enhance the experience of referred individuals with mobile crisis response services.
• Ensures collection of all necessary service data. 
• Participates in scheduled meetings to review performance and quality indicators and makes recommended adjustments to improve the response and stabilization service. 
• Willingly completes other duties as assigned to advance the mission of the Mobile Crisis Team.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED. Some college preferred.
• Prior 2 years’ experience with behavioral health crisis response. 
• Strong communication and writing skills. Bi-lingual skills (Spanish) a plus. 
• Registered Family Peer Support Specialist certification a plus, but not required.
• Familiarity with area resources. 
• Highly organized, and effectively manages multiple priorities simultaneously. 
• Professionally articulate in communicating (oral and written) service expectations, strengths and needs of clients and outcomes.
• Demonstrated professionalism working in teams with internal colleagues and external audiences in both person and through various electronic media. 
• Enthusiastic about advancing system change within the community.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license in the state of residence, auto insurance and reliable vehicle.

Hourly Rate: $17.30 ($36,000 annually)
Benefits Include:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Employer Paid Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability
• 401k Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous PTO plan
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

Salary : $36,000