Job Description

Family Advocate of the West Clinic

Family Peer Support Services are an array of services and support systems provided to families raising a child or young adult up to age 21 who is experiencing social, emotional, addiction, or behavioral health challenges in their home, school, community, and/or placement. Family Peer support services are provided by a trained and credentialed Family Peer Advocate (FPA) who is uniquely qualified to work with families based on their personal lived experience parenting a child with similar needs and the specialized training they receive. This service provides a structured, strength-based relationship between a credentialed FPA and the parent/caregiver for the benefit of the child/youth. The purpose of this service is to support the parent/caregiver and enhance their skills so they can promote positive youth functioning and their child\'s ability to live successfully in their community.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

\xc2\xb7 Provides outreach and information, engagement, bridging and transition support, self-advocacy, community connections and natural supports, parent skill development and promotion of family driven practice

\xc2\xb7 Provides individual and family advocacy on site, at satellite sites, in the field or in the home

\xc2\xb7 Refers children/families to ancillary services

\xc2\xb7 Runs family education and support groups

\xc2\xb7 Represents the program at collaborative interagency meetings

\xc2\xb7 Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings and discussions

\xc2\xb7 Maintains and disseminates information on community resources

\xc2\xb7 Maintains records in an accurate and timely fashion in accordance with regulations.

\xc2\xb7 Attends trainings as required for recertification/upgrade of credentials and any additional training assigned by supervisor/agency

\xc2\xb7 Schedule and assigned duties are subject to change based on the needs of the program and the participants we serve.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

\xc2\xb7 Work collaboratively as part of a comprehensive school, child and family team

\xc2\xb7 Computer literacy and excellent written and communication skills

\xc2\xb7 Outstanding interpersonal skills.

\xc2\xb7 Must be willing to work non-standard hours

\xc2\xb7 Works to create a safe environment that respects and empowers participants to feel a sense of pride in their culture and beliefs they identify with.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES UNIQUE TO THIS POSITION:

\xc2\xb7 Must be able to travel in the community and access families in their own homes

\xc2\xb7 The ability to model principles of recovery and wellness are required

QUALIFICATIONS:

\xc2\xb7 High School Degree or equivalent (Required)

\xc2\xb7 Must have New York State Family Peer Advocate Credential Provisional or be working towards this credential.

\xc2\xb7 Must be able to demonstrate lived experience as the parent or primary caregiver who has navigated multiple serving systems on behalf of their child(ren) with social, emotional, developmental, health and/or behavioral healthcare needs

- Spanish speaking preferred

AND

\xc2\xb7 A valid NYS drivers\' license.

\xc2\xb7 Must have Accredited NYS Defensive Driving course or obtain one within of hire.

\xc2\xb7 Must maintain Active NYS Defensive Driving class every 3 years, upon expiration.

\xc2\xb7 If driving one\'s own vehicle, maintain valid registration, inspection, and automobile insurance.

\xc2\xb7 Must provide proof of registration, inspection, and insurance upon hire and when requested.

Best Self