Family Peer Advocate Community Based Clinical

ST ANNE INSTITUTE • Albany, NY

2d

About The Position

Family Peer Advocates are responsible for supplying advocacy services as well as exercising the roles of mediator, broker, educator, advocate, and outreach worker on behalf of The St. Anne Institute’s clients and families. Family Peer Advocates will provide culturally competent and sensitive services. As part of a team within the agency, they are expected to work closely with all direct and support staff, including psychiatric staff, to ensure the appropriate treatment interventions for the client and their family.

Requirements

• Preferred, New York State Credentialed Family Peer Advocate (FPA) with ‘lived experience’ as a parent or primary caregiver who has navigated multiple child-serving systems on behalf of their child(ren) with social, emotional, developmental, health and/or behavioral healthcare needs.
• At a minimum, have a high school diploma, high school equivalent or a State Education Commencement Credential. This educational requirement can be waived by the State if the person has demonstrated competencies and has relevant life experience sufficient for the peer credentials. Complete Level One and Level Two of the Parent Empowerment Program Training for Family Peer Advocates or approved comparable training.
• Experience being a parent of a child with special needs, navigating systems, facilitating linkage to additional services, and attending Committee on Special Education meetings.
• General understanding of the emotional, social, cultural, financial, educational, health, and/or legal issues families face.
• Engage, contract, and bring proper termination to clinical and related interventions.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues and allied professionals inside and outside the organization.
• Ability to work collaboratively effectively as a team member.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and emotionally charged information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Maintain composure under pressure.
• Required to travel and conduct sessions in client homes/community.
• Clean and valid driver’s license.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish speaking is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Deliver all services to children and families in the home or community.
• Make home visits, school visits, and other outreach efforts as indicated and in consultation with their supervisor to support clients’ optimal functioning.
• Coach and model shared decision making and skills that support collaboration in addition to providing opportunities for families to self-advocate.
• Serve as a bridge between families and service providers. Support productive, respectful partnership by assisting families to express their strengths, needs, and goals.
• Provide psycho-educational services to educate clients or community members about mental illness, child abuse, substance abuse, addiction, medication, or other available community resources.
• Attend all required meetings in a timely fashion.
• Attend Team Meetings as assigned by supervisor.
• Attend and participate in Supervision with Supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees