Family Support Specialist

The Family Support Specialist provides supportive peer counseling and advocacy to families and caregivers of persons receiving services in the designated screening centers in both Burlington & Camden Counties. The Family Support Specialist will provide peer support to family/caregivers of consumers who present to be screened either in emergency room or during community outreach to residence. Will also provide short term follow-up to families during the process of waiting to secure inpatient hospitalization placement and also to families in the occurrence that the family member is left in the community and is being linked to outpatient placement. Demonstrates knowledge of mental health challenges and substance use concerns and the services available in the community. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the needs of the families and caregivers of consumers served. He or she must be able to assess and interpret data about the families and caregivers of consumers served. Required to report to work in inclement weather. Must work a minimum of 5 hours per week.

The Family Support Specialist will:

• Engage and collaborate with families during the screening process and provide support and encourage advocacy to make sure their perspective and input is heard during the screening process, during the period of waiting to obtain inpatient hospitalization our outpatient services placement.
• Identify and connect families/caregivers to resources and services that will provide support specifically pertaining to the family perspective of psycho education, substance use and self-care
• Assist families to build a network of natural and community supports
• Utilize lived-experience to provide peer to peer support, modeling and coaching during all interactions and meetings

Acute Family Support Services provides support to families who have loved ones in crisis. This program covers Burlington and Camden Counties.

Hours:

This is a part-time position with the following benefits:

• NJ Earned Sick Leave
• Time and one half paid for time worked on 9 Agency-paid holidays
• Training opportunities provided throughout the year
• Part-time staff are eligible for a retention bonus of $9.60 for every 8-hour shift worked, every six months

Education/Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent, with proof of some post-high school training, college work, or certificate program. AA/AS degree preferable. Must have lived experience as a family member of someone with mental health challenges and/or substance use concerns. Must have knowledge of the mental health system. Expected to obtain certification as Family Support Partner (FSP), a Certified Child and Family Resiliency Practioner (CFRP) or Certified Family Peer Specialist (CFPS). Must have experience of having a child or family member with mental health challenges and/or substance use concerns

Your driver's license must be in good standing, with no recent suspensions or violations of careless/reckless driving or excessive speeding of more than 20 MPH, and no more than 2 moving violations within the last 3 years.

Legacy Treatment Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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