What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Education and Support / Certified Peer Specialist Parent – Early Intervention Psychosis Program (EIPP) position at Positive Growth Inc.?
HOURS
Twenty hours weekly, a minimum of 8 hours in office and 12 hours with clients. Facilitates group skills once a week in office.
DEFINITION
Positive Growth, Inc. Early Intervention Psychosis Program (EIPP) provides evidence-based
individual and family therapy, care coordination services, and trauma-informed, person-centered
assessment and treatment planning activities to young adults experiencing early onset psychosis.
EIPP is a grant-funded Coordinated Specialty Care program through the Department of
Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD). EIPP uses a team-based,
person-centered, and multi-element recovery-oriented approach to help individuals manage not
only their psychiatric symptoms but also help them achieve success in other areas of life, such as
stable housing, education, and employment. Positive Growth, Inc. EIPP serves Metro Atlanta
area residents between the ages of 16-30 who have experienced their first episode of psychosis
symptoms starting within the past two years. The EIPP Team caseload is 25-30 Clients who are
all cared for by the multidisciplinary team. EIPP services are being provided to anyone in the
community experiencing their first symptoms of psychosis, regardless of insurance or funding.
Under the direction of the Clinical Director of the Early Intervention Psychosis Program (EIPP),
the Family Education and Support / Certified Peer Specialist-Parent plays a crucial role within
the multidisciplinary team. This position 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. The EIPP multidisciplinary team members will
work closely to provide Case Management, Psychotherapy, Medication Management, Family
Education/Support, Peer Support, and Supported Employment and Education to ensure effective
assessment, treatment, and ongoing care. The Family Education and Support / Certified Peer
Specialist-Parent collaborates closely with clients, their families, and the multidisciplinary team,
contributing valuable insights that can enhance the treatment and support provided to clients.
This 0.5 FTE position can be combined with other program positions to make up Full-Time
employment.
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
- Provide education about the nature of psychosis, treatment options, and available
- Assist families in understanding their role in recovery and reducing the stigma associated
- Advocate for families within the mental health system, helping them access appropriate
provide additional assistance and information.
- Facilitate communication between the multidisciplinary team, the individual in recovery,
- Help families navigate the complexities of supporting a loved one through treatment,
- Collaborate with the clinical team to share families' perspectives, contributing to
- Educate families on recognizing early signs of relapse and crisis and provide guidance on
- Provide emotional support, active listening, and nonjudgmental space for families to
- Share coping strategies and self-care techniques for families to manage their own
- Serve as a mentor and role model for families, offering hope, inspiration, and practical
- Share stories of personal challenges, successes, and lessons learned to help families feel
- Conduct educational sessions and workshops for families, providing information about
- Collaborate with other professionals to organize events that address the unique needs of
- Attend team meetings and contribute valuable insights based on personal experiences.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records of interactions with families and the support
- 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
- Share strategies for managing stress, maintaining balance, and finding support for
- Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field, and work
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,
- 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
- Knowledge of Early Psychosis: Familiarity with early psychosis, its symptoms, treatment
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Knowledge of evidence-based practices for early intervention and psychosis treatment.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team and the demonstrated ability
- Self-starter who is detail-oriented, well-organized, and enjoys working in a collaborative
- Basic understanding of mental health services, treatment approaches, and community
- 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.
- Knowledge/experience collaborating with community resources.
- Ability to build rapport with clients and engage them in case management.
- Ability to build and foster relationships with partner agencies.
- Ability to maintain a calm demeanor amidst a potentially high-distress population.
- Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Word and Excel spreadsheets.
- Computer proficiency is required to use Electronic Health Records. Valid Driver's license
fingerprint/background and DMV checks.
- Bilingual or multilingual skills to serve diverse populations.
- Work is performed inside and outside of an office environment; must be able to climb
Note: This job description outlines the key responsibilities and qualifications for a First Episode
of Psychosis Family Education and Support / Certified Peer Specialist-Parent. The role draws
upon personal lived experience to provide valuable peer support and education to families.
Specific duties may vary based on the organization's needs and the unique characteristics of the
families served. Additional training or certification may be required in family support, peer
mentorship, or relevant areas.
POSITIVE GROWTH, INC. IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND, HEREBY, DOES NOT
DISCRIMINATE AGAINST SEX, RACE, OR RELIGION.
POSITIVE GROWTH, INC. IS A DRUG, ALCOHOL, AND SMOKE-FREE ENVIRONMENT.
