Family Peer Advocate

The Family Peer Advocate provides an array of formal and informal activities and support to families caring for/ raising a child who is experiencing social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement, and/or community.  Full-time. Travel between locations in the Capital District/Troy area required.

Family Peer Support Services provides a structured, strength-based relationship between a Family Peer Advocate (FPA) and the parent/family member/caregiver for the benefit of the child/youth. Services are delivered in a trauma informed, culturally and linguistically competent manner.

Qualifications:

• Excellent writing and communication skills

• Exceptional organizational skills and be highly detail oriented

• Valid Driver’s license with clean MVR and access to reliable transportation. May be required to complete the online Defensive Driving course. 

• Must have the ability to work a flexible schedule to meet agency needs.

• Family Peer Support will be delivered by a New York State Credentialed Family Peer Advocate (FPA).

• Must demonstrate ‘lived experience’ as a parent or primary caregiver who has navigated multiple child serving systems on behalf of their child(ren) with social, emotional, developmental, health and/or behavioral healthcare needs.

• At a minimum, have a high school diploma, high school equivalency preferred or a State Education Commencement Credential. This educational requirement can be waived by the State if the person has demonstrated competencies and has relevant life experience sufficient for the peer credential.

• Complete Level One and Level Two of the Parent Empowerment Program Training for Family Peer Advocates or approved comparable training.

• Submit three letters of reference attesting to proficiency in and suitability for the role of a Family Peer Advocate (FPA) including one from the FPAs supervisor.

• Document 1000 hours of experience providing Family Peer Support Services.

• Agree to practice according to the Family Peer Advocate Code of Ethics.

• Complete 20 hours of continuing education and renew their FPA credential every two years.

OR

Family Peer Support will be delivered by a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) with a Family Specialty.

To be certified as CPRA-Family, the individual must be at least 18 years of age and have the following:

• Demonstrate lived experience as a primary caregiver of a youth who has participated in (or navigated) the addiction services system.

• Provide outreach, advocacy and recovery support services for families seeking and sustaining recovery on behalf of a child or youth.

• Have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED) preferred or a State Education Commencement Credential.

• Complete a minimum of 46 hours of content specific training, covering the topics: advocacy, mentoring/education, recovery/wellness support and ethical responsibility.

• Document 500 hours of related work or volunteer experience

• Provide evidence of at least 25 hours of supervision in a peer role.

• Pass the NYCB/IC and RC Peer Advocate Exam or other exam by an OASAS designated certifying body.

• Demonstrate a minimum of 20 hours in the area of Family Support (combined online and classroom training)

• Complete 10 hours of continuing education per year of certification, including 2 hours of Ethics

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the responsibilities of this position, the employee is often required to talk, hear, sit and use their hands and fingers to handle or feel. Will be required to stand, walk, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance and to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch or crawl. Vision abilities required by this position include close and far vision. 

Pay: $18.00 - $19.00 based on education. 

Vanderheyden is committed to the National Sanctuary Model - a blueprint for clinical and organizational change which, at its core, promotes safety and recovery from adversity through the active creation of a trauma-informed community.  The Sanctuary Model's focus is not only on the people who seek services, but equally on the people and systems that provide those services.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, military or marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, domestic violence victim status, predisposing genetic characteristics or prior arrest or conviction record or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Salary : $18 - $19