Family Peer Support Specialist

Family Peer Support Specialist

The Family Peer Support Specialist (FPSS) is responsible for partnering with the youth and family to provide structured, one-on-one, person-centered, strength-based support to caregivers of children or young adults (up to age 21) who have or are at risk for mental health, substance use, or intellectual/developmental disabilities. The FPSS will teach families how to overcome challenges, overcome difficulties, and achieve a more stable family life for the youth and families.

What You'll Do:

• Develops person-and-family centered relationships with children and families receiving services using positive approaches that promote health and wellness.
• Articulates lessons learned from his/her own experience parenting a child or adolescent with social/emotional or behavioral challenges.
• Engages parents/caregivers to emphasize the importance of creating safe and secure home environments for children and others defined as "family."
• Assists the family in identifying precursors and antecedents to past crises and encourages the family to work in collaboration with their chosen supports to prevent future crises from occurring.
• Assists the parent/caregiver, youth and other members of the family in making informed choices regarding their care, services and other life decisions.
• Works with identified families, parents/caregivers to increase Monarch's understanding of the family's strengths, needs, preferences and vision.
• Collaborates with the child/family and interdisciplinary treatment team to develop person-family centered treatment plans and crisis plans.
• Convey observations and key issues to Monarch supervisors and other "need-to-know" treatment team members in accordance with rules that govern the release and exchange of confidential information.
• Emphasizes the value of creating connections and social supports within the community.
• Engages community systems, including schools, healthcare providers, family and youth organizations to improve the health of families.
• Participates in meetings and/or conferences to share parental and professional experiences, and to educate stakeholders on effective strategies for advocating for children and families.
• Attend and actively participate in meetings and training as required. Maintain current licensure and certification in all agency, state and federal training requirements.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and comply with all agency policies and procedures, as well as state and federal statutes and regulations related to specific program areas.
• Demonstrate knowledge of emergency procedures and assist in crisis situations.
• Complete all other relevant responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.
• Driving and travel may be required.