Family Partner

Advocates•Framingham, MA

14d•$20

About The Position

Advocates promotes a healthy work-life balance and offers many generous perks of employment and room for advancement. We are a strong-knit community that values the ideas and contributions of our staff. Advocates is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Family Partner to join our Peer Support Team. This role is designed for individuals who have lived experience navigating the mental health and human services systems on behalf of a loved family member and are passionate about supporting other families facing similar challenges. The Family Partner will embody the principles of peer support as offered and delivered at Advocates, promoting empowerment, self-advocacy, and resilience within the community.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent and personal experience as a family member to a person who has received support from the behavioral health system.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
Ability to read and write English and communicate effectively in the primary language of the program to which he/she is assigned
Strong computer knowledge.
Proven ability to use good judgment.
Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and as well as work independently
Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task
High energy level and superior interpersonal skills.
Must hold a valid drivers’ license.
Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport clients.
Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
Commitment to Advocates values and mission.

Nice To Haves

Preferably certified as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or eligible for certification within one year of hire.
Strongly prefer a candidate that will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.

Responsibilities

Provide support to families navigating various systems, including mental health, education, and healthcare through the mutuality of shared lived experiences.
Secure the permission of the person currently receiving Advocates’ services and support prior to working with any family members.
Develop, maintain and share current information on community resources related to the interests of those they support.
Connect and network with the larger community and other area peer support providers for the purposes of developing best practices, gathering community resources and mutual support.
Ensure that the people we support through our services are always treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Advocates Human Rights policy and The Advocates Way philosophy.
Commit to the principle of “nothing about us, without us” to ensure that we are transparent regarding communication and that we involve the family in all conversations regarding their support and services wherever possible.
Educate family members on policies and procedures generated by the state, Advocates, specific treatment modalities and other matters requiring explanation.
Provide support to family members and advocacy with treaters when clinical and/or safety concerns appear to supersede family preferences.
Respond in an empathic and organized fashion to family complaints, concerns and frustrations.
Maintain productive internal and external communication with staff, management and family members.
Maintain professional, pleasant, approachable and helpful demeanor at all times
Support family in building networks outside of the service system.
Attend and actively participate in supervisions and staff meetings
Attend and actively participate in all trainings as assigned.
Perform physical intervention in the event of a client crisis.