What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Peer Support Specialist - NAVIGATE Team position at Integrated Services of Kalamazoo?
Do you have a desire to support the families of people who experience mental health and substance use concerns? Would you like to use principles from your lived experience to assist familes in navigating their journey to supporting autonomy and recovery? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to work as a part time (20 hrs/wk) Family Peer Support Specialist with the NAVIGATE Team.
What You Will Be Doing
As a Family Peer Support Specialist on the NAVIGATE team, you are a member of a multidisciplinary team and would provide treatment in an outpatient setting and in the community. NAVIGATE is a comprehensive program designed to provide early and effective treatment to individuals aged 15-30 who have experienced a first episode of psychosis within the past 18 months. Family Peer Supports draw from their personal experiences with supporting a family member with mental health struggles to create a path towards wellness and inspiration for the people we serve. You will work to educate, engage, and retain individuals and their families in treatment. The ideal candidate would develop and facilitate groups, promote community engagement, and participate in community outreach for the NAVIGATE program. This is a grant funded position, with grant funding through 09/30/2025.
What We Require
You will have a High School diploma or GED with one to two years of experience working in a peer capacity. You will have a valid Michigan driver’s license with reliable transportation. You will have lived experiences with mental health concerns, knowledge of self-determination principles, and understand person-centered planning processes. Candidates with experience supporting a family member in managing symptoms of ongoing psychosis are highly encouraged to apply. You’ll have basic computer skills, including word processing, spreadsheets, database management and e-mail along with basic knowledge in the use of electronic office equipment, including copy and fax machines. A Michigan Certified Peer Support Specialist designation is strongly preferred when working in the adult services system.
Why Work For ISK
Because we make a difference in the lives of the individuals we serve in the Kalamazoo community every day. You will have the opportunity to work with amazing co-workers in an environment that values diversity, inclusion, work/life balance and encourages ongoing education for professional development.
We also offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, with some of the best retirement plans in southwest Michigan including a 6.2% retirement match and pension plan! You will also enjoy generous PTO and paid holidays and the opportunity to earn additional PTO hours for participating in our wellness program! Kalamazoo is the home of the Kalamazoo Promise!
Who We Are
Integrated Services of Kalamazoo (ISK) has been delivering quality services and programs to improve the lives of those we serve for over 30 years. ISK works with youth, families, and adults with mental illnesses, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders to help them succeed. We provide welcoming and diverse community partnerships which collaborate and share resources to support individuals and families to be successful and achieve their goals in a trauma-informed environment.
Come Join Us!
Individuals of diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds along with bilingual candidates are invited to apply. ISK is an equal opportunity employer that encourages diversity and inclusion among its workforce. ISK fomenta la diversidad y la inclusión.
We look forward to meeting you!
Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:
Physical Efforts – Job demands include prolonged sitting and standing as appropriate. May occasionally require light lifting up to 25 pounds, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or bending as appropriate. Requires coordination of hands and/or eye/hand/foot.
Working Conditions – Office environment with noise from computers, copy machine, and telephones. Use of computer screen for periods in excess of 30 minutes at a time. Possible eyestrain from extended periods of viewing computer screen. May be exposed to bloodborne pathogens, infectious diseases, and parasites. Travel throughout the Kalamazoo area is required.
