Why Work for Gandara:

Explore the career pathways in Behavioral Health, Substance Use and Recovery, Community Based Clinical services, Adolescent and Family services, Adult Residential, Maintenance and Administration! Whether that is in an entry level or leadership role, Gandara will provide the tools and resources to better enhance your career growth. The opportunities are presented with the ability to transition your skills and experience in meeting the organizations mission. There is grand landscape of opportunities that supports the community we serve, so Join the Gándara team today!

Benefits:

• Retirement Plan 403(b)
• Health, Dental, Vision, Pet and Life Insurance
• Paid vacations
• Paid holidays
• 8 discretionary days
• Mileage Reimbursement

Job Title: Family Partner

Work Location: Springfield, MA

*Bilingual Candidates Encouraged to Apply 

*EOE M/F/D/V

*Union/Non-Union

Job Summary:

The Springfield Family Resource Center Family Partner (FP) is an individual who reflects the community, has “lived experience,” and/or familiarity with Child Requiring Assistance (CRA)-related issues. The FP works in conjunction with the Clinician to complete the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) Assessment to develop a Family Support Plan for family members experiencing CRA-related issues. In addition, the Family Partner is responsible for overseeing the implementation of the Family Support Plan, with support from other Family Resource Center (FRC) staff. The FP may work with all family members who are involved with the FRC; however, family members experiencing CRA-related issues are prioritized for services.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Clinician to complete the CANS Assessment and develop a Family Support Plan with family members experiencing CRA-related issues; arrange referrals, service/support planning, and follow-up;
• Develop and implement Family Support Plans with willing families based on needs identified from intake, screening, and assessment; include specific tasks and responsibilities for family members, the FRC and any other entities approved by the family members;
• In accordance with family member permission, follow-up with families within two weeks of referral to ensure families are connected with service; within 60 days, determine the family members’ satisfaction with the FRC’s Basic and Network Services using a Family Satisfaction Survey;
• Review Family Support Plan with family members at the end of six months from assessment completion; review adherence to the plan and/or identify additional necessary services and/or to adjust the plan, if desired;
• Facilitate family, youth and group counseling as well as psycho-educational groups for program participants and their families; provide consultation i.e., supporting family members who have experienced trauma, to other FRC staff;
• Collaborate and provide outreach to local community-based network of service providers including, but not limited to, any community, municipal, state, federal, non-profit, for-profit, or private sector individual/organization that provides services/opportunities for children and families on the best course of treatment for youth and their families and make referrals accordingly;
• Maintain confidential Family Support Plans; monitor participant records for completeness and compliance, including data input into Gandara’s EMR system and the UMASS system for FRC specifically; records shall be reviewed on an annual basis, or any other frequency, by DCF/ASO;
• Provide culturally sensitive and informed training/educational information, as needed, on clinical topics to family members;
• Adhere to program and agency policies/procedures; notify Program Director immediately in the event of a crisis, suspected illegal activity, or any behavior constituting an incident in the program;
• Represent the FRC in the community and state-wide networking/educational conferences; attend FRC Meetings, agency/department meetings and trainings;
• Other duties as requested/assigned by the SFRC Program Manager and SFRC Director.

Minimum Qualifications:

• “Lived experience” or familiarity with CRA-related issues
• Experience and demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations in a community-setting using a family-centered, strength-based approach
• Must be available for weekend and evening hours
• Must have a valid driver’s license and meet agency requirements for driving history records and criminal background checks
• Exceptional demonstrated interpersonal and writing skills
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications; Corel; and related office technology
• Bilingual, especially in Spanish/English, strongly preferred

The Gándara Mental Health Center provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training