NOVA provides treatment for individuals ages 15-25 who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis. A Parent Peer is a parent, grandparent or guardian who is parenting, or has parented, a child with serious emotional disturbance or serious mental illness, and can articulate the understanding of their experience and share that experience with another parent/family. Parent Peers provide strength-based rehabilitative support services to parents that are expected to increase the child/family’s capacity to function within their home, school and community while promoting recovery. This person responsible for advocating for parents/families who have children with serious emotional disturbances or serious mental illness. This position will require the Parent Peer to have innovative ideas to help parents/guardians increase knowledge of serious emotional disturbances/serious mental illness and mental health needs of children, adolescents, and young adults, assist with encouragement of families with cooperating with services, and promote self-empowerment of the parent.

Must be a parent or caregiver who has cared for a child who has experienced psychosis on a day-to-day basis

Have a strong sense of compassion, understanding, empathy, and life experience in order to support families and their children

Be self-motivated, have a strong sense of working boundaries with self-disclosure and family working relationships

Have strong communication skills and be a good listener

Provide ongoing emotional support, motivation and encouragement to help families with identifying their strengths and needs

Have the ability to work with diverse families

Meet with families by telephone and face to face meetings in the family’s home or an agreed upon location

Have experience with negotiation and dealing with conflict

Serve as an active member of the client's treatment team, including participation in team meetings and treatment planning meetings

Provide psycho- education with focus on illness management and family support

Maintain accurate and thorough records on all assigned cases and use documentation to assist the client and family in evaluating progress

Provide advocacy services on behalf of the family

Inform supervisor and other members of the treatment team of issues/concerns related to individual families

High School Diploma or GED required.

Must have personal experience with children’s mental health, who is willing to share his/her personal experiences.

Must be a parent or caregiver who has cared for a child/young adult who has experienced psychosis prior to the age of 26.

Must become certified as a Certified Family Peer Specialist by completing DMH-approved training(s). Must understand and endorse a recovery-oriented approach to providing services.

Must be dependable.

Must be teachable and honest.

Ability to share skills and knowledge with others

Ability to use one’s experiences as a family member of mental illness/addiction in a manner that is thoughtfully delivered to ensure youth/young adults and their families are not negatively influenced but empowered and motivated toward a

healthy lifestyle.

Must be able to mentor to and advocate for children and youth who have a mental health needs and their families.

Must be a good role model.

Should have a personal vehicle readily available to use.

Should be energetic and passionate.

Ability to communicate effectively with a multi-disciplinary team

Should be open to job requirements and have the ability to facilitate groups and activities.

Should be available to work afternoon/early evening hours or weekend hours based on needs of the youth/young adults.

Should be flexible, adaptable, integrative, and creative.