Family Support Specialist - Full-Time; 4161-203-A

Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens•New York, NY

1d•$33 - $37•Hybrid

About The Position

The Agency has embraced the concept of a fully integrated system of care for all consumers of service. This requires that staff assess the client’s needs holistically and see it as their responsibility to connect the client with services needed both internal and external to the Agency, regardless of the door through which the consumer enters the system. Under the direction of the Clinical Director, the Family Support Specialist is responsible for providing an array of formal and informal supports to families caring for/raising a child who is experiencing social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement, and/or community. All services are to be delivered in a professional and ethical manner, consistent with best practice tenets. The Family Support Specialist will use their life experience to assist individuals and families with engagement into treatment and support services; provide relevant education and support in order to promote and enhance recovery, self-respect and self-reliance in the community; and provide mentorship and serve as a role model for all members of the program. The Family Support Specialist will maintain mandated levels of service, participate in Agency meetings as required, and fully comply with Agency policies and procedures.

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED
Provisional New York State Peer Specialist Certification or Family Peer Advocates (FPAs) NYS Certification
Demonstrates lived experience as a parent or primary caregiver who has navigated multiple systems on behalf of their family member with social, emotional, developmental and/or behavioral healthcare needs.
Must have knowledge in trauma-informed care and recovery in both SUD and mental health as a family member.
Ability to read and write.
Knowledge of computer programs (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, & Outlook)
Good communication skills
Proven ability to work with people with behavioral health conditions.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish speaking preferred.

Responsibilities

Mentors family members and caregivers of individuals diagnosed with mental health, substance use, and co-occurring disorders by providing supportive and skills-building services with a rehabilitation and recovery focus.
Provides both face-to-face and virtual services (both onsite and offsite community locations) to connect individuals and family members to community-based recovery supports consistent with the primary client’s treatment plan
Provides non-clinical supports to family members of clients that are designed to empower them to manage their love one’s continued health and wellness and support hope for recovery.
Supports pre-admission and outreach services to individuals and families considering entry into CCNS’ mental health and/or substance use treatment programs, with the intention of engaging the individual and family in care.
When requested, provides services and conducts outreach in the community in partnership with other team members (e.g., supporting a Mobile Crisis Team response with a Clinician)
Based on the strengths and needs of each child/youth and family, connects them with appropriate services and supports
Shares information about resources, services, and supports and explores with the family what might be useful for them.
Facilitates group support services in partnership with other team members that are designed to teach individuals and families coping skills, life skills, and health/wellness skills.
Maintains accurate and up-date records in accordance with the program's policies and procedures.