Family Support Specialist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Direct experience as a parent or primary caregiver who has navigated multiple child-serving agencies, including mental health, addiction treatment, child welfare, wellness, and educational services.
• Currently certified, or eligible to become certified, by the State as a Peer Support Specialist (PSS) - Family Support, and listed in the Traditional Health Worker (THW) registry.
• Ability to attend required certification trainings when available, including completion of an OHA-approved PSS - Family Support training program.
• A bachelor’s degree in a behavioral sciences field, or a combination of at least three years of relevant work, education, training, or experience for QMHA designation; QMHA designation depends on eligibility under Oregon State registry requirements (MHACBO).
• Ability to use email, compose documents, save and locate electronic documents, and learn the Electronic Health Record (EHR) system.
• Pass state-required background and DMV checks; hold a valid Oregon driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record for approval to drive.
• Ability to work independently and flexibly under general supervision.
• Mature attitude and sensitivity to the needs of people with chronic mental illness.
• Understanding of HIPAA confidentiality requirements for privileged information.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and work independently or with staff as agency needs dictate.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual Spanish skills, with certification from an Oregon Health Authority-approved language proficiency test at the “High Intermediate” level, for which Options pays a premium.
• Proficiency in Word and other Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide advocacy and mentorship, informed by lived experience, to people seeking behavioral health or addiction services and supports.
• Use effective communication and interpersonal skills to make learning about and accessing services a positive experience.
• Use personal and professional life experience and best practices to provide peer support to parents and caregivers.
• Identify emotional, psychiatric, or behavioral changes and recovery needs that may require further intervention or treatment, and inform treatment team members.
• Help parents and caregivers solve personal issues affecting access to services, such as transportation or remembering appointments, and connect them with natural supports.
• Participate in child and family team meetings alongside parents and caregivers to support family voice and choice and the use of strength-based approaches.
• Maintain contact with parents and caregivers according to family needs and follow through on tasks and assignments.
• Maintain appropriate personal and professional boundaries and ensure the safety and protection of self and the families served.
• Provide supportive services for parents and caregivers, such as support groups, family activities, recognition events, outreach, and training.
• Explain the organization, community partners, Wraparound and Systems of Care philosophy, child and family team process, and the FSS or Family Partner role to parents and caregivers.
• Maintain local resource information, liaise with community resources, and help Options clients use those resources to enhance independent living skills.
• Transport clients to facilitate client-directed services, travel between sites, and drive as required.

Benefits

• Family medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• 403(b) plan with a 6% employer match
• Generous paid time off, accruing up to 208 hours annually based on FTE status and available for use upon accrual
• 11 paid holidays annually
• Position may be eligible for the Oregon Behavioral Health Loan Repayment Program