Family Peer Advocate

Description

Family Peer Advocates provide one-on-one support to families and caregivers, helping them build skills, access resources, and become strong advocates for their children in home, school, and community settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Build supportive, trusting relationships with families and caregivers through shared lived experience.
• Provide peer support services at program sites and in the community, based on family preference and needs.
• Help families understand and navigate mental health systems, schools, service providers, and community resources.
• Empower caregivers to become advocates for their child and their family.
• Refer families to appropriate community services and supports.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in compliance with HIPAA and agency guidelines.
• Attend team meetings and trainings; contribute to a collaborative, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed workplace.
• Promote family-driven, youth-guided principles and advocate for effective parent-professional partnerships.

Requirements

Education & Certification & Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• NYS Credentialed Family Peer Advocate preferred, or must be actively working toward credentialing through Families Together in NYS (required to maintain certification throughout employment).
• Lived experience as a parent or primary caregiver of a child with mental health, emotional, or developmental challenges.
• Minimum of 2 years' experience working directly with families.
• Knowledge of the public mental health system.
• Experience with electronic health records preferred.

Skills & Requirements:

• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal).
• Highly organized, with attention to detail and confidentiality.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Sensitivity and respect for diverse cultural and social backgrounds.
• Reliable transportation and ability to provide community-based services.
• Bilingual in Spanish a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Familiarity with Paylocity and EHR systems 
• Ability to operate standard office equipment (scanner, fax, printer, etc.).

Pay: $22.00 - 24.00 per hour