Bilingual Family Support Specialist

Felton Institute • San Mateo, CA

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Bilingual Family Support Specialist is part of the treatment team and partners with families in the recovery process. The role builds relationships by sharing personal lived experience supporting a loved one with mental health issues, helping family members access community resources and support networks, and providing a safe, supportive environment while following confidentiality and reporting requirements. Services are delivered in the community, including schools, job sites, family homes, and other locations.

The position is within Felton Institute’s Early Psychosis Division, serving the (re)MIND® and BEAM programs in San Mateo. The division provides coordinated specialty care for early psychosis and related needs, using evidence-based services and community partnerships. The position reports directly to the Clinical Program Manager.

Requirements

• Personal experience as a caregiver of a youth or young adult with emotional or behavioral needs.
• MediCal Peer Support Specialist Certification.
• High school diploma and at least one year of experience working with people experiencing mental health issues and/or their families.
• Ability to interact with and respect differences in opinions, beliefs, culture, appearance, and ways of life.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, and ability to type 45 WPM.
• Valid California driver's license and excellent driving record.
• Bilingual/bicultural and fluent in Spanish or a threshold Asian language.
• Ability to establish trusting, hopeful relationships with participants and families and collaborate effectively with community partners.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize, and effective time management.
• Openness to learning, applying new information promptly, and modifying practices.
• Ability to work in varied environments, including schools, job sites, family homes, and other community locations.
• Demonstrated experience as a team player with a welcoming attitude.
• Ability to perform some physical tasks, including assisting participants with public transportation, moving, and cleaning.

Nice To Haves

• Peer Specialist Training program and/or WRAP facilitator training.
• Personal experience navigating psychiatric hospitalization, disability, and/or public services with a loved one.
• Knowledge of respective county behavioral health and school systems.
• Knowledge of various cultural and spiritual understandings of psychosis.

Responsibilities

• Provide individual support to families to reduce barriers to treatment and help them support loved ones through improved communication, support networks, and attention to grief, stigma, and hopelessness.
• Provide direct services, family psychoeducation, support, and advocacy, and assess family strengths and needs.
• Assist staff in developing, organizing, and conducting programs that support participant treatment plans and family engagement.
• Lead or co-lead and coordinate family support groups.
• Coordinate with early psychosis team staff, treatment providers, and community resources.
• Meet required weekly direct-service contact hours and document participant contacts according to quality assurance standards.
• Meet deadlines and comply with agency requirements.
• Attend and contribute to staff meetings and team conferences, providing participant and family updates, discussing clinical issues, exchanging ideas, and representing the family-member perspective.
• Participate in supervision, coaching, staff meetings, team conferences, data collection and reporting, intake and discharge activities, and assigned agency meetings and trainings.
• Coordinate orientations and graduations for participants and families.
• Participate in outreach events, including psychoeducational presentations and open houses, and provide information about early psychosis to providers and the public as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Be available to work some evenings and/or weekends with advance notice.

Benefits

• Fully paid medical and dental plans, subject to election and eligibility.
• Health Reimbursement Card, subject to election and eligibility.
• Paid time off, including personal, vacation, and sick time, subject to election and eligibility.
• 403B with company match, subject to election and eligibility.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED