Family Peer Advocate, CTTP (23396)

Northern Rivers Family of Services•City of Schenectady, NY

20d•$19 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

As a Clinical Time Transition Program (CTTP) Family Peer Advocate, you will provide support for youth and their families/caregivers transitioning from a hospital setting back to their community. You will work with families, schools, and community resources to promote successful reintegration and long-term stability. You will draw from your personal lived experience to help families navigate the healthcare and social services system, build self-advocacy skills, and access resources to support their child's recover and well-being. You will support parents/caregivers as they develop positive approaches and methods for addressing their family’s daily needs, including their own needs for self-care. You will report to the Director of the Hospital to Home (H2H) Program, and you will be working onsite with community travel.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Lived experience as a caregiver of a child with behavioral health challenges required, per NYS Office of Mental Health requirements.
Certification as a Family Peer Advocate or willingness to obtain within 6 months of hire required.
Valid NYS driver's license required.
Flexibility in work hours, including evenings, to meet client needs required

Nice To Haves

Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Offer emotional support, encouragement, and guidance to families and caregivers during the transition process
Empower caregivers by sharing personal experiences and strategies for navigating behavioral health systems
Advocate for family needs within the treatment team and help caregivers with providers
Assist families in understanding treatment plans, discharge instructions, and available services
Connect caregivers with community-based resources, including mental health support, educational advocacy, and social services
Help families navigate Medicaid, insurance, and other funding sources for continued care
Provide families with information about youth mental health, trauma-informed care, and crisis prevention
Facilitate family workshops or support groups focused on coping strategies and self-care
Assist caregivers in developing skills to advocate for their child’s needs in school, healthcare, and community settings
Work with clinicians, case managers, and other team members to guarantee a family-centered approach
Establish partnerships with local organizations and parent support networks to enhance available resources
Participate in team meetings and case conferences to provide insights from a family perspective
Maintain records of family support services provided, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA regulations
Track progress and identify areas where additional support may be needed
Contribute to program evaluation efforts to improve services for families