Care Extender / Peer Support Specialist - Foster Care

Elevance Health•Shelby, NC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Care Extender / Peer Support Specialist provides peer-based navigation, outreach, and non-clinical support for foster care members and their caregivers in Cleveland County, North Carolina. The role engages community partners and develops strategies with local stakeholders, providing education, strengthening relationships, and helping resolve case-level or broader systems issues. The position supports care coordination teams and connects members and caregivers with people who can offer insight and expertise to help overcome challenges. The role is field-based, with approximately 60% of work in the field and the remainder performed virtually from home. Field work involves travel to client sites or designated locations, with occasional office attendance for meetings or training. Candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance of the posting location unless an accommodation is granted as required by law. The stated schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. This position supports North Carolina's Children and Families Specialty Plan, developed in partnership with North Carolina DHHS to coordinate health care for Medicaid-enrolled infants, children, youth, young adults, and families served by the child welfare system. The plan includes physical and behavioral health, pharmacy, I/DD services, long-term services and supports, unmet health-related resource needs, and integrated care management.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent and at least 2 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to work in the field in Cleveland County, North Carolina, including travel to client sites or designated locations.
Must be within a reasonable commuting distance of the posting location unless an accommodation is granted as required by law.

Nice To Haves

Certified Peer Support Specialist credential.

Responsibilities

Identify opportunities to engage members, caregivers, and families and share them with the care management team.
Partner with community peer support services to develop referral pathways and connect members to appropriate peer support services.
Support care managers in advocating for foster parents and other caregivers, including addressing needs or challenges involving agencies and systems.
Develop strategies for peer support programs.
Engage community partners and local stakeholders to provide education, strengthen relationships, and help resolve case or broader systems issues.
Support care coordination teams and connect members and caregivers with people who can provide insight and expertise.