Job Description

Family Peer Advocate

The Family Peer Advocate (FPA) plays an essential role in supporting families within Community Health and Behavioral Services (CHBS) programs. The FPA provides guidance, advocacy, and support to families raising children or youth up to age 21 who are experiencing mental health (MH) challenges, substance use disorders (SUD), or co-occurring diagnoses. Through shared lived experiences and an understanding of family dynamics, the FPA fosters hope, promotes engagement, and helps families navigate service systems.

Core Responsibilities

• Outreach and Information: Share information about resources, services, and support. Assist families understand eligibility rules and the assessment process. Conduct community outreach to raise awareness and engage families.
• Engagement, Bridging, and Transition Support: Connect families with appropriate services and support their engagement. Facilitate communication between families and service providers. Assist families during transitions such as placement changes or service system shifts.
• Self-Advocacy, Self-Efficacy, and Empowerment: Advocate for family-centered care and inclusion in decision-making. Empower families to communicate their needs, fears, and expectations. Support leadership development and family participation in broader advocacy roles.
• Community Connections and Natural Supports: Assist families integrate into their communities by reconnecting with natural support. Encourage participation in recreational, cultural, and social activities. Provide emotional support and combat isolation through peer groups.
• Parent Skill Development: Help parents learn and practice strategies to support their child's development. Assist with implementing clinician-recommended interventions (e.g., behavior support, crisis planning). Provide access to parenting workshops tailored to family needs.
• Promoting Effective Family-Driven Practice: Participate in care management teams to ensure family-driven practices. Promote the family's voice in decision-making at all levels (individual, agency, state).

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• High school diploma or equivalent, minimum, required. Associates degree preferred.
• New York State Credentialed as a Family Peer Advocate (FPA) or attain provisional certification within 90 days of employment, with a commitment to obtain full certification within designated timeframes.
• Minimum of three (3) years Demonstrating 'lived experience' as the parent or primary caregiver who has navigated multiple children serving systems on behalf of their child(ren) with social, emotional, developmental, health and/or behavioral healthcare needs and willing to appropriately self-disclose lived experience to support other families.
• Experience working with families facing complex mental health and substance use challenges preferred.
• Travel is required. Must have a valid NYS Driver's License.

Benefits

Our work environment provides the opportunity to grow and learn in a fast-paced atmosphere. We offer competitive benefits and salary to include a low-cost individual health insurance plan, dollar for dollar retirement match (up to 7%), life insurance, voluntary benefits and generous paid time off.

• Comprehensive Health/Dental/Vision
• Direct Deposit
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Retirement Plan 403(b)
• Life Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous PTO Plans (Sick, Vacation and Employee Leave)
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Service Awards
• Employee Appreciation Events
• Employee Discounts

Upstate Caring Partners is the premier provider of direct-care services and programs in Central New York for individuals of all abilities and their families. If you believe in empowering people, Upstate Caring Partners is an excellent place to start or grow your career.

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