Family Peer Advocate

The Madonna Heights Residential Treatment Facility (RTF) is a trauma-informed therapeutic program that provides the most intensive residential mental health services available outside of a hospital setting. The RTF Program helps youth strengthen connections with family, while improving outcomes through a youth-guided, family-driven and trauma-sensitive approach to treatment. The 24-hour facility offers a wide range of therapeutic services as well as comprehensive mental health, medical, recreational and independent living supports. Intensive treatment plans direct the individualized treatment of each youth. The RTF’s trauma-responsive treatment environment promotes safety, sensitivity and healing where clients can feel secure enough to address unresolved trauma while learning to maintain emotional regulation and employ self-care strategies. 

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION: To provide a structured, strength-based relationship between a Family Peer Advocate (FPA) and the Parent/Family member/Caregiver for the benefit of the Child/youth. Services are delivered in a trauma informed, culturally and linguistically competent manner.

Activities included must be intended to achieve the identified goals or objectives as set forth in the child/youth’s services plan. The FPA provides support to families and acts as a liaison between families, staff, community and all other family related support services.

I. SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

• Operate from a Strength Based and Family Driven Care Perspective.
• Serve as a bridge between families, service providers and the CR staff, supporting a productive and respectful partnership by assisting the families to express their strengths, needs and goals.
• Connect families with appropriate services and supports, including community exposure and family engagement with entire CR team.
• Supporting and assisting families during ALL stages of transition.
• Promote continuity of engagement and supports as families’ needs and service change.
• Promote self-advocacy, self-efficacy, and empowerment in families.
• Assist families to identify and set goals and short-term objectives.
• Assist parents in developing parenting skills.
• Attend required meetings and trainings.
• Ensure delivery of services as outlined by treatment plans.
• Submit progress notes and other documentation within required timeframes.
• Report incidents to supervisor upon discovery.
• Perform all other duties assigned.
• Continuous monitoring that family voice and choice is present in ALL service delivery!

II. QUALIFICATIONS

· Family Peer Support will be delivered by a New York State Credentialed Family Peer Advocate (FPA).

§ STEPS TO OBTAIN A FAMILY PEER CREDENTIAL

· Demonstrated “lived experience” as a parent or primary caregiver who has navigated multiple child serving systems on behalf of their child(ren) with social, emotional, developmental, health and/or behavioral healthcare needs. Preferred, lived experience with out-of-home placement.

1. A high school diploma, high school equivalency preferred or a State Education Commencement Credential (e.g. SACC or CDOS). This educational requirement can be waived by the State if the person has demonstrated competencies and has relevant life experience sufficient for the peer credential.

2. Complete Level One of the Parent Empowerment Program Training for Family Peer Advocates or approved comparable training.

3. Submit two letters of reference attesting to proficiency in and suitability for the role of a Family Peer Advocate (FPA).

4. Agree to practice according to the Family Peer Advocate Code of Ethics. An FPA with a Provisional Family Peer Advocate Credential must complete all other requirements of the Professional Family Peer Advocate credential within 18 months of commencing employment as a FPA.

· Must be reliable and able to work independently and understand the importance of maintaining confidentiality.

· Must have a valid Driver’s License and a satisfactory driving record if driving is a requirement for the position.

· Must be cleared by the NYS Justice Center through fingerprinting for a Criminal History Records search.

· Must be cleared (not have any active or pending cases) by the NYS Office of Children and Family Services for instances of child abuse and/or neglect.

III. KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Maintains demonstrate the ability to: Assess the needs of individuals and families, at admission and on-going through after care.

Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, demonstrate positive interpersonal skills.
Model strength based and professional behavior.
Collaborate as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Familiar with electronic record system, meet deadlines and willingness to grow and change are necessary.

• Knowledge of:Common challenges associated with mental health and SED behaviors.

Crisis de-escalation and intervention techniques.
Navigating various service systems, i.e. Transitional & In-Home Services, Education, DSS, SSI, OASIS, OMH, OCFS

IV. RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHERS

• Maintain a strength-based approach in working with children and families
• Accepts and applies constructive feedback from supervisors to enhance the quality of service delivery
• Be a team player
• Have a strong sensitivity to cultural differences present among staff and clients within our organization
• Possess a strong belief in people’s ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families
• Ability to set limits and maintain helping role of a practitioner and to intervene appropriately

V. WORKING CONDITIONS

Employee must be able to work effectively and efficiently within the model of trauma-informed practices.

· Work is conducted in the Community Residents and Communities all identified by family and their support systems.

· SCO provides transportation resources to work related visits and meetings.

· SCO provides technology resources to staff to ensure encryption and HIPPA policies.

VI. TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Prior to Service DeliveryOrientation

Therapeutic Crisis Intervention
Mandated reporter Training (available in Orientation and via the LMS (RELIAS)

• Within 6 months of hire (Employee will be enrolled in the below via the LMS at hire)Personal safety

Strength Based Approached
Suicide Prevention
Domestic Violence Signs and Basic interventions
Trauma Informed Care
Cultural Diversity Equity Inclusion & Belonging
HIPPA Compliance
All other trainings assigned by supervisor relevant to position.
If billing for CFTSS then all FPAs must complete SCO CFTSS Training Requirements.