Bilingual Family Advocate Associate

Reports To:      Assistant Director of Wellness & Recovery

ROLE SUMMARY

As a Bilingual Family Advocate Associate at Mental Wellness Center, you will be a vital link between families, individuals living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), and community resources. Your role involves providing compassionate support, education, and advocacy to families, empowering them to navigate the mental health system, and fostering whole family recovery. A day in this position's life includes conducting outreach and collaborating with other providers to promote the well-being of families and individuals living with SMI. You will also meet one-on-one in person or on the phone with families and listen to their testimonials while providing a non-judgmental and supportive ear as well as following up to check-in into the future.  The position may occasionally require evening and weekend hours.

ABOUT YOU

·         Empathy & Compassion: you demonstrate empathy and compassion to support families and individuals facing Serious Mental Illness (SMI).

·         Inclusivity: you value and respect diversity, ensuring program efforts are inclusive of all individuals.

·         Holistic Care: you prioritize mental and emotional well-being as essential to overall health.

·         Advocacy: you are a strong advocate when representing family member concerns within the mental health system.

·         Communication: you communicate effectively to facilitate support dialogue and provide information.

·         Resource Linkage: you exemplify knowledge of local Mental Health resources and the ability to assist families in locating and accessing community resources.

·         Adaptability: you are willing to adapt to changing conditions and support the needs of families and clients.

·         Data Management: you are proficient in data management and program outcome tracking.

·         Team Player: you actively support MWC with a collaborative spirit in all projects assigned and collaborate freely with other programs and colleagues.

·         Cultural Sensitivity: you exemplify empathy and cultural competence in working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

·         Compassionate Support: Offer compassionate support to families and individuals seeking information regarding Serious Mental Illness (SMI); the support may be offered via phone calls, virtual or in person. This staff member will address and serve individuals who walk in seeking support.

·         Triaging: Connect families and individuals to other MWC services. Furthermore, connect those who may be in a state of crisis to higher levels of assessments and support.

·         Community Outreach: Conduct outreach to families and clients, providing support, education, and linkage to care. Coordinate and attend community outreach events.

·         Collaboration: Build community connections that support your resource navigation.

·         Advocacy: Advocate for family members as a group within the local Mental Health System, providing information about legal and procedural processes in the mental health system.

·         Public Speaking: Engage in public speaking forums in a comfortable and professional manner.

·         Resource Assistance: Inform family members and clients about community resources. Provide resource navigation services. Continuously update resource guide which also includes educational and informational handouts.

·         Representation: Represent family member issues to mental health managers of outside community-based organizations/agencies, supervisors, and staff to enhance awareness and sensitivity regarding family concerns. Represent MWC in community meetings.

·         Data Management: Maintain data and program outcomes, tracking program goals and ensuring program effectiveness.

QUALIFICATIONS:

·         Personal lived experience as a caregiving family member of a person living with a serious mental health disorder, with a willingness to share your experience navigating the mental health system and/or relevant education.

·         3 years of professional experience in mental health or social services.

·         Public speaking experience; facilitating groups/classes, conducting presentations and/or community outreach.

·         Awareness of local Mental Health resources and programs.

·         As a Bilingual employee, you will play a crucial role in providing exceptional support to our diverse community or clients. Bilingual Literacy in Spanish and English is required.

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Mental Wellness Center reserves the right to modify duties or job descriptions at any time.

SALARY

Full time position 30-40 hours. The salary base pay range for this role is between $25.00 to $35.00

BENEFITS

100% Paid Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Supplemental Insurance

Discounted Pet Insurance

80 Hours/Year Vacation

10 Observed Holidays

401(k) Plan

401(k) Employer Match

PERKS

$250/pay period when employee shows proof of own health insurance coverage and waives the medical benefit at MWC.

$55 a month if an employee is required to use a personal cell phone for organization business.

COME AS YOU ARE

We are committed to fostering a workplace and client environment that embraces Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) as fundamental values. We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to come as they are, be their authentic selves, and feel safe, respected, and valued in our organization.

Our commitment to DEIB is not just a statement but a guiding principle that influences every aspect of our organization. We recognize that diversity goes beyond visible differences such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, abilities, and religion; it encompasses diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds. We are dedicated to creating a space where all individuals are welcomed, accepted, and celebrated for who they are.

ABOUT US:

Mental Wellness Center is a leading organization dedicated to enhancing the mental well-being of individuals in our community. Our long-standing values of hope, inclusivity, collaboration, and connection to care drive our mission to advance mental wellness in Santa Barbara by providing youth programming, early intervention, safe and affordable housing, education, and resources for mental health challenges.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

MWC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

JOIN US

Submit cover letter and resume via Indeed or email to mwcjobs@mentalwellnesscenter.org.

Salary : $250