Family Peer Support Specialist
RIVER VALLEY BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Summary
Position will require frequent travel within a 7 county region. The Family Peer Support Specialist provides mentoring and support to parents/caregivers of children with severe emotional disabilities through the use of various relevant modalities, primarily through use of lived experience as a parent/caregiver of child with a mental health and/or substance use disorder.
Job description
Job Summary
Position will require frequent travel within a 7 county region. The Family Peer Support Specialist provides mentoring and support to parents/caregivers of children with severe emotional disabilities through the use of various relevant modalities, primarily through use of lived experience as a parent/caregiver of child with a mental health and/or substance use disorder.
Essential Functions
- Establishes and maintains a regional support and information network for parents and families of children with emotional disabilities.
- Teaches, coaches, mentors, and models for parents and caregivers regarding basic communication skills and advocacy training, resource identification and management, coping skill development, etc.
- Assists parents in locating available resources for their child and in understanding the rights of the child regarding these agencies and advocating for clients and families in relevant situations.
- Maintains timely documentation of services provided including billing documentation required in the Avatar system, requiring entry within 48 hours of service.
- Serves as an active member or consultant for children’s treatment teams by assisting in treatment plan development.
- Establishes and maintains parent support groups throughout the community, disseminating relevant information to families, empowering group members to assume leadership roles within the group, etc.
- Responds by phone or letter in a timely manner to parent/caregiver requests for assistance.
- Attends mandatory in-services, team meeting, and other training/educational programs as required, both internally and with external local, regional, and state organizations.
- Fosters collaborative working relationships among members of the leadership and management teams and programs.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- High School diploma or GED
- Must be a parent or relative caregiver with permanent legal custody who is raising or has raised a child with an emotional, social, behavioral, and/or substance use disability, and whose child had been a client of at least one state-funded service for children with SED.
- Must successfully complete core competency training administered by the statewide family network and demonstrate an understanding of the System of Care philosophy, the Wraparound Process, etc.
- Required to seek continuous professional development training in order to maintain professional status and meet Medicaid and/or SIAC requirements.
- Exceptional organizational abilities.
- Must be willing to work flexible hours and be able to travel within the region served.
- Must maintain a non-judgmental attitude toward children with SED and their families.
- Must have the ability to work with families from diverse cultural, religious, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds.
- Demonstrates flexibility in problem-solving and the ability to deal with various situations that arise.
- Personal characteristics must include common sense, ability to adhere to policies, procedures, and code of ethics, demonstration of healthy boundaries, enthusiasm, team involvement, willingness to learn, open mindedness, etc.
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- Telehealth
- Paid time off
- 9 holidays
- Retirement plan
- Tuition reimbursement
- Free CEUs
- Clinical supervision
- Wellness program
- Employee assistance program
- Mileage reimbursement
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness
Company overview
River Valley Behavioral Health is a comprehensive mental health care provider specializing in behavioral health services for individuals and communities. As a healthcare provider organization, it focuses on delivering evidence-based treatment and support services for mental health conditions, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities. The organization typically offers a range of services including outpatient counseling, crisis intervention, psychiatric care, addiction treatment, and community-based support programs. River Valley Behavioral Health serves as a critical resource in its region, providing accessible mental health care to diverse populations through integrated treatment approaches. The organization emphasizes person-centered care, recovery-oriented services, and community partnerships to address the complex needs of individuals facing behavioral health challenges. With a commitment to improving mental wellness and quality of life, River Valley Behavioral Health plays an essential role in the healthcare ecosystem by bridging gaps in mental health services and promoting holistic well-being for the communities it serves.