FORGE Peer Parent Partner (48618)

Position Summary:

Peer Parent Partners are parents/caregivers who have first-hand experience with the various state systems as well as in recovery from substance use, mental health and co-occurring disorders who use their lived experience as a tool to assist others by sharing their personal journeys and knowledge gained; and who exhibited exceptional qualities in their own efforts to understand how systems work and an appreciation of what it takes to be successful, and the personal qualities that lend themselves to collaboration on various levels. Serves as an advocate to mentor parents currently involved with the system(s), as well as provides strength-based support for persons in or seeking recovery from behavioral health-related issues. In order to be considered, the Parent Partner’s cases must be closed, and he/she is maintaining family stability.

The service offers a type of partnership where the person in or seeking recovery self directs his/her care while the Peer Parent Partner provides expertise in supporting successful change. The Parent Partner focuses on achieving any goals important to the individual and asks questions and offers suggestions to help the person begin to take the lead in addressing their own needs. The practice focuses on honoring values and making principle-based decisions, creating a clear plan of action, and using current strengths to reach future goals. The Peer  Parent Partner serves as an accountability partner to help the person sustain his or her recovery and helps to access the systems needed to support the individual, such as disability benefits, health care, housing, etc; and serves as a consultant to parents and caregivers.

Essential Job Functions:

• Serve as a consultant and peer support to parents and caregivers throughout the wraparound process, using personal and professional experience to guide engagement and empowerment.
• Provide orientation and information about agency services, procedures, and the Family Partner role to help new families successfully navigate wraparound supports.
• Advocate for parents and families by representing their voice in team meetings, committees, and workgroups.
• Facilitate psychoeducational and peer support groups focused on life skills, self-advocacy, mindfulness, and healthy coping strategies.
• Mentor and encourage participants in their recovery journey, supporting goal setting, empowerment, and self-sufficiency.
• Assist individuals and families in accessing and applying for community resources and supplemental programs (e.g., housing, benefits, identification).
• Collaborate with Case Managers and treatment teams to support intake, discharge, and service coordination.
• Provide administrative support including documentation, forms, correspondence, and attendance at supervision and training sessions.
• Maintain confidentiality, professionalism, empathy, and respect in all interactions while embodying the organization’s mission and values.
• Participate in ongoing service delivery, special events, and professional development to strengthen program quality and effectiveness.

Essential Qualifications:

Certifications/Licenses:

•  Valid drivers’ license
• Ability to pass first level and NABS background clearance
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you

Education:

• High School Graduate; some college preferred

Experience and Competencies:

• Life-trained paraprofessional who has successfully negotiated the child welfare, juvenile justice and/or early learning systems.
• Must have behavioral health lived experience
• Must be 18 Years of age or older
• Strong reading comprehension, written and oral communication skills
• Demonstrated experience with leadership advocacy or governance
• Bilingual would be an asset
• A minimum of one year without receiving in-patient and/or intensive treatment services
• A minimum of one year without involvement with law enforcement
• A minimum of 6 months in stable and safe housing
• A minimum of 6 months of stable employment or active enrollment in educational setting
• Continues to participate in support groups and/or behavioral health networks
• Must provide 3 letters of references

Salary : $18