POSITION SUMMARY

The Family Peer Support Specialist is an active member of the Youth Mobile Crisis Response (YMCR) Team and provides support services to consumers and families who have experienced a behavioral health crisis. Under supervision of the Clinical Director or designee, the Family Peer Support Specialist functions as a role model for guardians; serves as a consumer advocate, has lived experience with their child having had a behavioral health diagnosis, and providing consumer or family information for continued stabilization. The Family Peer Support Specialist performs a wide range of tasks that relate to assisting parent and/or guardians in regaining optimal functioning within the community for their youth.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists clients in identifying strengths, needs, and realistic goals to develop a service plan.
• Help clients and their families restore and develop social and interpersonal skills
• Identify and enhance support networks, community awareness, and coping strategies
• Effectively teaches social skills and household management skills.
• Assist clients in identifying and responding to triggers that lead to functional impairments
• Ensure appropriate follow-up for individuals who have experienced a crisis event and ensure linkage to ongoing supports and services, operating in an enhanced localized crisis response system contributing to the goal of increased community stabilization
• Participate in collaborative meetings with Youth Mobile Crisis Response staff and other community leaders as needed
• Communicate client's status regularly, including changes in mood, medical needs, etc. as needed
• Knowledge of agency and community resources and referral processes.
• Produce effective, documentation of every interaction with client.
• Provides supportive services for clients and arranges for the provision of services from community resources based on the service plan.
• Attends supervision, program, and agency-wide meetings as indicated.
• May assist with consultation, review, or auditing of records.
• Performs other duties as requested.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Education:

• A minimum of a high school diploma or GED required
• Must successfully complete an LDH/OBH approved peer training program prior to providing peer support services and be recognized as a recognized family peer support specialist (RFPSS).

Computer Skills:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Other Requirements:

• Must be at least 24 years of age
• Must have lived experience as the primary caregiver for a child with complex needs inclusive of social, emotional, mental health, and/or substance use concerns, and/or involvement with child welfare or juvenile justice systems
• Ability to communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to communicate in different languages desired.
• Excellent customer service skills
• Possess a valid driver’s license
• No restrictions or adverse actions that would disqualify for Medicaid or other billing