Family Peer Advocate - credentialed

Join our team as a Family Peer Advocate! MHA is seeking NYS credentialed Family Peer Advocates.

MHA Family Peer Advocates are responsible for providing services to support families caring for/raising a child who is experiencing social, emotional, mental health, developmental, and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement, and/or community.

Family Peer Advocates have ‘lived-experience’ as the parent (biological, foster, adoptive) or primary caregiver of a child/youth with a social, emotional, behavioral, mental health, or developmental disability. They receiving training to develop skills and strategies to empower and support other families. They foster effective parent-professional partnership and promote the practice of family-driven and youth-guided approaches.

Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities: (Additional duties may be assigned)

o Engages individuals/families in a personal, supportive manner, creating relationships with caregivers that benefit the youth/child.

o Provides individuals/families with services at the program site and/or in the community as requested.

o Addresses mental health concerns and behaviors

o Empowers participants to be self-advocates in their own lives.

o Collaborates with community resources and makes referrals as necessary.

o Maintains appropriate documentation in a timely manner consistent with department requirements and HIPAA regulations.

o Adheres to agency policies and department procedures.

o Attends required meetings.

o Supports an organizational culture of being culturally sensitive and trauma informed.

Education and Experience:

· High school diploma/GED equivalency.

· Experience and knowledge of the public mental health system.

· Two years' experience working directly with families.

·NYS Credentialed Family Peer Advocate preferred or must be in the process of obtaining Family Peer Advocated credentials from Families Together in NYS. Credentials must be maintained throughout employment.

· Experience using an electronic health record preferred.

Equipment, Machines and Software Used:

· Ability to operate various office equipment including computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, photocopier, scanner, and calculator.

· Computer Software: Microsoft Office to include Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel. Experience with Paylocity payroll system preferred.

· Reliable transportation and ability to provide services in the community is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Ability to communicate effectively (speaking and writing).

· Strong organizational skills.

· Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.

· Ability to respond to questions from staff and program participants.

· Individuals must demonstrate sensitivity, respect, and competency with diverse cultural backgrounds, social identities and practices of community members and be willing to participate in anti-racism focused diversity training to increase skills in this area.

· Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred.

Work Hours:

· The standard work week is 35 hours. Typically Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Flexibility may be required on occasion.

· This work cannot be performed from home or in hybrid format.

Compensation:

· Compensation will be in the range of $17-20/hr.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $17 - $20