Childrens NOVA Parent Peer Specialist

JEFFERSON BLOUNT ST CLAIR MENTAL HEALTH AUTHORITY • Birmingham, AL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

NOVA provides treatment for individuals ages 15-25 who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis. The Parent Peer Specialist is a non-clinical staff hired to work in partnership with families who have a youth or young adult experiencing a first episode psychosis. The Parent Peer Specialist serves as a role model and works with families by sharing their own experiences while providing effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• Must have personal experience with children’s mental health, who is willing to share his/her personal experiences
• Must be a parent or caregiver who has cared for a child/young adult who has experienced psychosis prior to the age of 26
• Must become certified as a Certified Parent Peer Specialist by completing DMH-approved training(s)
• Must understand and endorse a recovery-oriented approach to providing services
• Must be dependable
• Must be teachable and honest
• Ability to share skills and knowledge with others
• Ability to use one’s experiences as a family member of mental illness/addiction in a manner that is thoughtfully delivered to ensure youth/young adults and their families are not negatively influenced but empowered and motivated toward a healthy lifestyle
• Must be able to mentor to and advocate for youth and young adults who have mental health needs and their families
• Must be a good role model
• Ability to communicate effectively with a multi-disciplinary team
• Should be open to job requirements and have the ability to facilitate groups and activities

Nice To Haves

• Should have a personal vehicle readily available to use
• Should be energetic and passionate
• Should be available to work afternoon/early evening hours or weekend hours based on needs of the youth/young adults
• Should be flexible, adaptable, integrative, and creative

Responsibilities

• Serve as an active member of the client's treatment team, including participation in team meetings and treatment planning meetings
• Provide psycho-education with focus on illness management and family support
• Maintain accurate and thorough records on all assigned cases and use documentation to assist the client and family in evaluating progress
• Provide advocacy services on behalf of the family
• Inform supervisor and other members of the treatment team of issues/concerns related to individual families
• Provide ongoing emotional support, motivation and encouragement to help families with identifying their strengths and needs
• Have the ability to work with diverse families
• Meet with families by telephone and face to face meetings in the family’s home or an agreed upon location
• Have experience with negotiation and dealing with conflict

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED