Certified Peer Specialist-Parent

Certified Peer Specialist-Parent: This is a part-time position that focuses on providing education, guidance, and peer support to families of individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis. The Certified Peer Specialist-Parent will draw upon their personal lived experience as a parent of someone who has gone through early psychosis to offer hope, understanding, and practical assistance to other families navigating similar challenges. 

Essential Duties:

Utilize personal experience as a parent of an individual with first-episode psychosis to establish credibility and rapport with families.

· Offer empathetic and nonjudgmental support to families facing the challenges of navigating the mental health system and understanding psychosis.

· Assist families in understanding their role in recovery and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness.

· Advocate for families within the mental health system, helping them access appropriate services, community resources, support groups, and relevant organizations that can provide additional assistance and information.

· Facilitate communication between the multidisciplinary team, the individual in recovery, and their family.

· Help families navigate the complexities of supporting a loved one through treatment, offering insights and strategies for effective communication and conflict resolution.

·Collaborate with the clinical team to share families' perspectives, contributing to treatment planning and ensuring a holistic approach to care.

·Share coping strategies and self-care techniques for families to manage their own well-being while supporting their loved ones.

·Share stories of personal challenges, successes, and lessons learned to help families feel understood and validated.

·Conduct educational sessions and workshops for families, providing information about psychosis, treatment modalities, and coping strategies.

·Collaborate with other professionals to organize events that address the unique needs of families in the early stages of psychosis.

·Attend team meetings and contribute valuable insights based on personal experiences.

·Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions with families and the support provided.

·Prepare reports summarizing families' progress and contributions to the recovery process.

·Encourage families to prioritize self-care and mental well-being as they support their loved one's recovery journey.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field, and work experience with adults with severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorders or any combination of education, experience, and training which provides the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.

· Certified Peer Specialist-Parent: Certification as a peer specialist-parent or equivalent, indicating personal experience as a parent of an individual with early psychosis.

·  At least two years of related experience and/or training in mental health is preferred.

·  Personal lived experience with a first episode of psychosis and a strong commitment to ongoing recovery.

·  Knowledge of Early Psychosis: Familiarity with early psychosis, its symptoms, treatment options, and the challenges faced by both individuals and their families.

· Strong interpersonal, communication, and rapport-building skills.

· Knowledge of evidence-based practices for early intervention and psychosis treatment.

· Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and the demonstrated ability to work with flexibility and efficiency in a fast-paced environment.

·  Basic understanding of mental health services, treatment approaches, and community resources.

·  Ability to establish and maintain boundaries while building supportive relationships.

·  Demonstrated ability to work sensitively with diverse people and communities.

·   Empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude toward clients and their families.

· Computer proficiency is required to use Electronic Health Records, Microsoft Word, and Excel. Valid OR driver's license and excellent driving record required. Must complete state-required fingerprint/background and DMV checks.

·  Bilingual or multilingual skills to serve diverse populations.