At a Glance
- Tasks: Support families with children facing mental health challenges through advocacy and empowerment.
- Company: Join the Mental Health Association of Rochester/Monroe County, a leader in community support.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, health insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in families' lives while using your own experiences to empower others.
- Qualifications: High school diploma and experience working with families; credentialing as a Family Peer Advocate preferred.
- Other info: Flexible hours in a supportive environment focused on diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Join our team as a Family Peer Advocate! MHA is seeking NYS credentialed Family Peer Advocates. MHA Family Peer Advocates are responsible for providing services to support families caring for/raising a child who is experiencing social, emotional, mental health, developmental, and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement, and/or community.
Family Peer Advocates have ‘lived-experience’ as the parent (biological, foster, adoptive) or primary caregiver of a child/youth with a social, emotional, behavioral, mental health, or developmental disability. They receive training to develop skills and strategies to empower and support other families. They foster effective parent-professional partnership and promote the practice of family-driven and youth-guided approaches.
Essential Job Duties and Responsibilities:- Engages individuals/families in a personal, supportive manner, creating relationships with caregivers that benefit the youth/child.
- Provides individuals/families with services at the program site and/or in the community as requested.
- Adds mental health concerns and behaviors.
- Empowers participants to be self-advocates in their own lives.
- Collaborates with community resources and makes referrals as necessary.
- Maintains appropriate documentation in a timely manner consistent with department requirements and HIPAA regulations.
- High school diploma/GED equivalency.
- Experience and knowledge of the public mental health system.
- Two years' experience working directly with families.
- NYS Credentialed Family Peer Advocate preferred or must be in the process of obtaining Family Peer Advocate credentials from Families Together in NYS. Credentials must be maintained throughout employment.
- Experience using an electronic health record preferred.
- Ability to operate various office equipment including computer, printer, telephone, fax machine, photocopier, scanner, and calculator.
- Computer Software: Microsoft Office to include Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel. Experience with Paylocity payroll system preferred.
- Reliable transportation and ability to provide services in the community is required.
- Ability to communicate effectively (speaking and writing).
- Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
- Ability to respond to questions from staff and program participants.
- Individuals must demonstrate sensitivity, respect, and competency with diverse cultural backgrounds, social identities and practices of community members and be willing to participate in anti-racism focused diversity training to increase skills in this area.
- Bi-lingual in Spanish a plus.
The standard work week is 35 hours. Typically Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. Flexibility may be required on occasion. This work cannot be performed from home or in hybrid format.
Compensation:Compensation will be in the range of $17-20/hr.
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Sue MacDonald, Director of Human Resources
Family Peer Advocate in Rochester employer: Coordinated Care Services, Inc.
Contact Detail:
Coordinated Care Services, Inc. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Family Peer Advocate in Rochester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field and let them know you're on the lookout for a Family Peer Advocate role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to family advocacy and mental health. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your lived experience and how it shapes your approach to supporting families.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your personal story and why you’re driven to help families facing challenges. Authenticity goes a long way in making a memorable impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Family Peer Advocate in Rochester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Lived Experience: As a Family Peer Advocate, your personal journey is invaluable. Make sure to highlight your lived experience as a parent or caregiver of a child with social or emotional challenges. This connection is what makes you relatable and effective in this role!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the job description. We want to see how you can make a difference at MHA!
Be Professional Yet Personal: While we appreciate professionalism, don’t shy away from being personal in your application. Share your passion for supporting families and how your background equips you for this role. It’s all about building connections!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at MHA!
How to prepare for a job interview at Coordinated Care Services, Inc.
✨Know Your Lived Experience
As a Family Peer Advocate, your personal journey is invaluable. Be ready to share your experiences as a parent or caregiver of a child with mental health challenges. This will not only demonstrate your qualifications but also show your genuine understanding of the families you'll be supporting.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Role
Dive deep into the job description and understand the essential duties. Be prepared to discuss how your past experiences align with these responsibilities, especially in engaging families and collaborating with community resources. This shows that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you truly understand it.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, showcase your ability to listen actively. This is crucial for a Family Peer Advocate. Respond thoughtfully to questions and engage with the interviewer’s points. It reflects your skills in building relationships and understanding the needs of families.
✨Highlight Your Community Connections
Talk about any existing relationships you have with community resources or organisations. Mentioning your knowledge of the public mental health system and how you can leverage these connections will set you apart as a candidate who can hit the ground running.