Peer and Family Advocate

JOB SUMMARY: Peer and Family Advocates are people who have lived experience in the mental health system in some capacity. They serve as role models, companions, educators and advocates to our consumers.  Although not professional counselors, Peer and Family Advocates are treatment team members and trained in basic counseling skills.

Peer and Family Advocates help consumers explore options given their available resources and formulate problem-solving plans. They also serve as informal Advocates, offering consumers the opportunity to discuss issues surrounding relationships, feelings, attitudes, personal goals and individual rights. Sometimes Peer Advocates help people learn independent living skills such as money management or various household skills.

Using the Recovery Model outlined in the MHSA (Mental Health Services Act), the goal of the Peer and Family Advocate is to empower consumers in creating a hopeful future where they can experience the possibilities of getting a job, earning a diploma, and having an apartment of their own. The Peer Advocate will support consumers in moving toward recovery, creating a meaningful role in their life, which is separate from their illness.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

High School Diploma and completion of some college-level (or equivalent) coursework in sociology, psychology, mental illness and its treatment, health care system, counseling and/or peer counseling or

Experience

Six months of full-time or experience performing non-professional, consumer directed services in a mental health, health care, counseling, peer counseling, education, advocacy, or other social services agency / organization serving people with disabilities. 

License or Certification

Valid California Driver's License preferred

Physical Requirements

Ability to visually and audibly assess client's behavior and needs.

POTENTIAL JOB HAZARDS

Assaultive clients

Blood and Body Fluid Contact (Category I)

Operation of company vehicle

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED

Understanding of Standard Precautions.

Demonstrated safe driving record with DMV

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

1. Be available to meet with consumers and families, including consumers and families in crisis.

2. Assist consumers in identifying and prioritizing aftercare options.

3. Help consumers and families understand the community mental health system as well as their options and rights within that system.

4. Assisting consumers to communicate with other treatment team members, especially during crisis.

5. Assisting social workers with family, placement, and community agency contacts.

6. Advocating on behalf of consumers and promoting self-advocacy.

7. Modeling and training consumers in independent living skills.

8. Providing emotional support for consumers.

9. Providing feedback describing interactions with consumers.

10. Communicating with the coordinator of the program about problems or concerns. 

We offer: 
 

• Free employee health insurance offered for applicable full time positions
• DailyPay
• MFTI and ACSW’s receive supervision for BBS hours
• Competitive compensation
  
• Rewarding work environment with excellent opportunities for career growth
• Excellent work/life balance including generous vacation and holiday pay
• A unique environment – we’re an employee owned organization! 
• Meaningful relationships with your co-workers and the individuals we serve
  
• Family-oriented environment
  
• On the job training including paid CEU opportunities and career development
  
• Flexible work schedule and environment
• Mileage reimbursement