Family Peer Advocate

Description

Title: Family Peer Advocate – located at Middletown Office

Reports to: Social Programs Assistant Manager

Job Objective: Provide comprehensive support services for family members of individuals of   

                           mental health conditions and/or substance use disorders.    

                           Perform duties while actively promoting an environment consistent with MHA’s          

                           Cultural Equity Policy and WELCOME Orange.

Responsibilities:

• Facilitate monthly support groups and educational programs for families of individuals with mental illness, ensuring relevancy and effectiveness.
• Provide crisis intervention, information, referrals, advocacy, and supportive assistance to families as needed both at MHA and community locations throughout Orange County. 
• Assist families in developing coping mechanisms, problem-solving skills, and strategies for managing symptoms and preventing relapse.
• Produce Family Support Newsletter four times a year, curating current and relevant literature for educational purposes.
• Maintain accurate documentation and data entry into the agency's Electronic Health Records System.
• Establish and maintain linkages with community agencies and service providers to enhance program outreach and awareness.
• Attend designated staff and community meetings, representing the needs of program participants and families.

Other Duties:

• Obtain Family Peer Advocate Credential (FPA) within the first year of employment.
• Participate in MHA’s committees as needed.
• Duties outlined above are intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.

Requirements

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in a related field with 1 year of relevant experience working with individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorder, 

OR Associate Degree in a related field with 3 years of relevant human services experience; 

OR High School or GED/HSE diploma with 5 years of relevant experience in human services.

Be a parent of a child or adult with a diagnosis of a mental health condition, or substance use disorders required.

Effective written and oral communication skills.

Public speaking experience preferred.

Experience working with Microsoft Office suite preferred.

Ability to work independently and coordinate multiple tasks simultaneously.

Ability to exercise sound judgment under crisis situations and maintain confidentiality.

Valid Driver’s License and ability to drive with current driving record acceptable for agency insurance coverage.

Other Duties:

• Obtain Family Peer Advocate Credential (FPA) within the first year of employment.
• Participate in MHA’s committees as needed.
• Duties outlined above are intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and requirements of a person so classified. Other functions may be assigned, and management retains the right to add or change the duties at any time.

Terms of Employment/Benefits:

• Non-Exempt.
• Forty (40) hours per week.

Mental Health Association in Orange County, Inc. (MHA), is a private, not-for-profit organization seeking to promote the mental health and emotional well-being of Orange County residents. Under the leadership of a voluntary Board of Directors, MHA’s staff members, consultants and volunteers provide free mental health and safety net services to Orange County residents each year.

Why work for MHA in Orange County?

MHA is an agency that understands that its workforce is vital to our community and the mission of our agency. Our many benefits include:

1) Competitive compensation rates

2) 1 hour paid lunch for F/T employees

3) 4 Wellness Days annually for F/T employees 

4) 14 Paid Holidays which includes 1 Floating Holiday

5) 403(b) Plan with discretionary matching

6) Employee benefits include: Medical / Dental / Vision / Flexible Spending Account-Health Saving Account / Dependent Care / Life Insurance / Supplemental Insurance for Medical Expe