Family Peer Advocate

7fceb6d1-01f1-4a56-a7dc-f548b6c213d8•Village of Tarrytown, NY

1d•$50,000 - $55,000

About The Position

The Family Peer Advocate (FPA) is a parent or caregiver who is raising or has raised a child with serious mental health concerns and is personally familiar with the related challenges and community resources available to children and families. The FPA is an active member of the Crisis Stabilization Team, which serves children and youth throughout Westchester County who are at high risk of hospitalization, re-hospitalization, or placement. The team provides intensive crisis support to reduce acute symptoms, restore pre-crisis functioning, and build and strengthen natural supports. The FPA serves as a role model and supports caregivers through education, mentoring, self-help techniques and group processes, coping strategies informed by lived experience, symptom-management skills, and help clarifying and supporting rehabilitation, recovery, and resilience. The role supports caregiver engagement and active participation in treatment planning, as well as ongoing implementation and reinforcement of skills. Services are delivered in a trauma-informed, culturally and linguistically competent, person-centered manner that honors individual rights, self-determination, choice, shared decision-making, and collaboration. The FPA also facilitates use of natural and community supports and resources, and uses evidence-based practices when possible. This is a full-time, non-exempt position based in Tarrytown, New York, for 35 hours per week. The position reports to the Crisis Stabilization Team Lead. A flexible schedule is required, and hours, reporting structure, and location may change according to program needs.

Requirements

Must be a parent or caregiver who is raising or has raised a child with serious mental health concerns and is familiar with related challenges and community resources for children and families.
Must be eligible for the Family Peer Advocate Provisional Credential and willing to complete training toward the Family Peer Advocate Professional Credential within required timeframes; the credential must be maintained throughout employment.
Strong computer knowledge, including typing and use of communication tools, scheduling tools, and web browsers.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and database management systems.
Fluency in English, including reading, writing, and speaking.
Must be reliable, able to work independently, and understand the importance of confidentiality.
Must have a valid driver's license held for at least 3 years, a driving record satisfactory to the agency's insurance carrier, and no more than 6 points on the driving record.
Agency drivers must be at least 21 years old and must follow the agency driver policy.
Must obtain and maintain current New York State Defensive Driving certification within 30 days of hire.
Must obtain and maintain applicable regulatory clearances.
Must be legally eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Knowledge of signs of psychiatric crises, engagement skills, and de-escalation techniques.
Familiarity with and ability to use an Electronic Health Record system.
Experience understanding family systems across diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.

Responsibilities

Engage caregivers in strategies to work toward identified goals, including strengthening problem-solving skills, mentoring, exploring community resources, and providing life-skills support.
Document progress and maintain a permanent record of activity in accordance with agency policies, procedures, and program guidance.
Practice in a person-centered, trauma-informed manner aligned with the organization's values.
Help shape a team culture that promotes person-centered, recovery-focused, strength-based service delivery.
Assist with family engagement and retention activities, promoting involvement with the team and a family-focused, recovery-oriented approach.
Maintain appropriate professional standards.
Adhere to standards and guidelines established by applicable regulatory authorities.
Participate in team meetings.
Work a flexible schedule as required by the position.
Perform other designated and related duties.
Meet productivity expectations and maintain timely, accurate documentation.
Meet professional development and training expectations, including obtaining and maintaining the Family Peer Advocate Credential.
Relate well to and engage caregivers and family members.
Comply with mandated reporter responsibilities.

Benefits

403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution after 1 year of service.
Flexible work arrangements, subject to business needs, including hybrid options.
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
Life insurance.
15 days of paid time off per year.
12 days of paid sick time per year.
11 employer-paid holidays per year.
Opportunities for advancement, training programs, and support for certifications and continuing education.
Free employee assistance program services.
Employee discounts on travel, hotels, movie tickets, theme parks, services, electronics, automobiles, shopping, and more.
Gym reimbursement through the employer's medical insurance carrier.
Qualifying employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.