Peer Support Advocate

Family Partnerships of Central Florida • Maitland, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Peer Support Advocate is part of the Seminole Behavioral Health Expansion (SBHE) project funded by Substance Abuse Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA). The intent of this position is to increase family and youth voice and choice within the system of care, representing cultural and linguistic competency, specifically, but not limited to those who have been identified as on the neurodiversity spectrum. This will be done by building community partnerships, expanding cultural alliances, recruiting, facilitating supportive activities, and training peer (family/youth) advocates, and assisting organizations to incorporate youth and family voice at multiple levels. This position will also provide consultation with the Wraparound training and Replication Teams. This position is a 4-year federal grant funded position.

Requirements

• Personal “lived” experience representing Family/Youth Voice in at least one of the following systems (Child Welfare, Mental Health, and/or another mandated system) i.e. parent or caregiver of a child (or children) or adolescent with a primary mental health need and has received or is currently receiving services for these needs.
• Youth that has experienced the foster care system and/or has or is living with a mental health challenge.
• High school diploma and at least 5 years’ experience of professional advocacy or social service experience.
• BA/BS - bachelor’s degree preferred with at least 2 years of professional advocacy or social service experience.
• Must have experience navigating the Child Welfare System of Care or other formal systems (i.e. Juvenile Justice, Education, Mental Health)
• Demonstrate cultural and linguistic competence and sensitivity to population served.
• Must be exceptionally well organized and be capable of completing assignments with minimum guidance and supervision.
• Must be highly self-motivated, and able to work independently when required.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; must be able to work well with families and youth, senior managers and providers.
• Must possess skills in Word, Excel, Outlook and virtual meeting platforms.
• Candidate must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and be able to drive within Brevard County.
• Must be able to pass a thorough level 2 Background Screening prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Build partnerships with community stakeholders, child serving agencies, and community partners to value and invest in family and youth involvement activities.
• Participate in the development, implementation, and monitoring of the SBHE strategic plan specifically in goals and objectives focused on family and youth involvement.
• Recruit and support diverse family and youth voice/participation representing the cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the populations of focus in strategic planning process; specifically, but not limited to those who have been identified as on the neurodiversity spectrum.
• Coordinate and facilitate ongoing training and technical assistance to build family and youth leadership, build family/youth and professional partnerships, and implement family-driven/youth guided practices.
• Acquire the Peer Support Certification through the state of Florida.
• Help develop infrastructure and activities to create, develop, and build up a community of resources representing the cultural and linguistic background of the populations of focus that will support and promote family and youth involvement and the family/youth voice at all system levels.
• Coordinate social media activities and assist with the expansion of virtual interaction with families and youth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED