What are the responsibilities and job description for the Family Partner Navigator (Bilingual Spanish) position at Mental Health America of Central Carolinas?
About the Organization
Founded in 1933, Mental Health America (MHA) of Central Carolinas’ mission is to advance mental wellness through education, advocacy, and access to support. MHA offers family support for parents of children with behavioral, emotional, or mental health needs; peer support for adults with chronic mental illness; and community mental health education and prevention training. MHA’s programs bring together individuals with lived experience, parents, advocates, and providers to address systemic mental health challenges and improve outcomes.
Position Summary
The Family Partner is a parent or caregiver who has raised or is currently raising a child or youth with mental, emotional, or behavioral health challenges. This individual uses their lived experience to support other families by providing peer mentoring, education, system navigation, and advocacy. The Family Partner helps caregivers access treatment and services, build resiliency, and become empowered advocates for their children.
Working from a trauma-informed, family-driven, and strengths-based approach, the Family Partner builds authentic relationships with families while helping them navigate child-serving systems such as education, behavioral health, social services, juvenile justice, and more. This position also involves participating in community outreach, education, and advocacy efforts led by MHA’s ParentVOICE program. This position will be based in our Mecklenburg Office three days a week and in our Cabarrus Office two days a week.
Requirements:Family Engagement & Support
- Provide one-on-one peer support and coaching to parents and caregivers.
- Share personal experiences in a way that affirms families and inspires hope.
- Educate families about navigating child-serving systems and available resources.
- Connect caregivers to informal and community supports to reduce stress.
- Promote family advocacy through modeling and mentoring.
- Maintain flexible scheduling, including availability for some evenings/weekends.
- Offer emotional, strengths-based, and empowerment-focused support.
Systems Navigation & Advocacy
- Accompany families to school meetings, court, or service appointments when needed.
- Coach caregivers on articulating needs and advocating for their child.
- Assist families in accessing services across systems including health, housing, and education.
- Provide referrals to appropriate agencies and resources.
Education & Outreach
- Co-lead monthly “Real Talk, Real Support” workshops.
- Deliver parenting education using the Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) model (Levels 3 – children and teens).
- Present on behalf of MHA/ParentVOICE at community meetings, civic groups, and outreach events.
- Help plan and implement trainings, support groups, and family leadership development opportunities.
- Identify and encourage other parents to participate in the Family Partner Training Institute (FPTI).
Administrative & Documentation
- Accurately document all family interactions, phone calls, and referrals in organization's systems.
- Maintain records of time, mileage, and reimbursement receipts.
- Complete regular assessments and quarterly reporting for program partners.
- Submit required Triple P documentation to Mecklenburg County in a timely manner.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Strong knowledge of Mecklenburg and Cabarrus County community resources.
- Understanding of System of Care and Integrated Care principles.
- Familiarity with child welfare, education, juvenile justice, and mental health systems.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), SharePoint, and Publisher.
- Family engagement strategies and ability to build trust across diverse populations.
- Strong communication, time management, and public speaking skills.
- Experience with teaching coping skills, advocacy, and crisis/safety planning.
- Ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality (HIPAA compliance).
Minimum Qualifications
- Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services preferred; OR high school diploma with 3–5 years of experience in behavioral health, child welfare, or peer/family support.
- Must have lived experience as a caregiver to a child with behavioral, emotional, or mental health needs.
- Completion of MHA’s Family Partner Training Institute within the first year of employment.
- Willingness to obtain National Family Peer Specialist Certification within two years of hire (and maintain certification every three years).
- Bilingual Spanish (preferred)
- Valid NC driver’s license or photo ID and reliable transportation.
- Must pass annual background check and be available for evening/weekend events as needed.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Medical, dental, vision, life, LTD, and STD insurance, employee assistance plan
- Paid holidays, including two company-wide mental health days annually
- 401(k) eligibility after 12 months
- Professional development opportunities
- Mileage reimbursement
- Supportive, mission-driven workplace
- Opportunity to make a lasting impact on families and systems in our community
Working Conditions / Physical Requirements
- Occasional lifting (up to 20 lbs), light travel, and hybrid office/remote work environment.
- Requires sitting, standing, data entry, virtual meeting facilitation, and in-person engagement.
- MHA operates offices in multiple counties, thus all employees are required to travel for meetings, events, etc. Some destinations may be at least 20 miles apart.
Mental Health America of Central Carolinas is an equal opportunity employer.