SUMMARY:

The Family Advocate partners with families participating in our In-Home Outreach Team to support adults with mental health challenges and their families. The Family Advocate works as a peer advocate to increase empowerment in getting their needs met. The Family Advocate engages participants and families in services and works with caregivers individually so they can better support their family member. The Family Advocate is an essential part of the In-home Outreach Team working closely with others to help participants and families get their basic needs met and get connected to supportive mental health and/or substance abuse treatment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide non-judgmental, unconditional support to participants and families in the program; this includes meeting participants/families in the office or in the community.
• Act as a member of the team, holding a caseload of 5 participants and supporting the families of other participants and clients in IHOT and MH Services.
• Support screening, assessment, and case planning services with the family
• Advocate on behalf of consumer and their family for necessary services
• Provide referral and linkage to supportive services such as NAMI, legal support, parent training, support groups, housing resources, etc.
• Assist with coordinating and providing transportation for medical and mental health services, support groups, court hearings, or other pertinent treatment appointments/activities.
• Provide outreach to potential participants, families, and community agencies who also serve our population. This may include facilitating outreach/support group(s).
• Maintain accurate documentation and paperwork including, but not limited to, mental health notes, time sheets, petty cash, and mileage in a timely manner.
• Maintain a flexible schedule, which includes evenings and weekends as needed
• Participate in Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement activities and initiative
• Attend agency and other program meetings as appropriate.
• Participate in agency Safety initiatives and proactively report safety issues to management immediately
• Regular attendance is a requirement of the position.
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform all essential duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Experience working with culturally diverse youth required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma plus relevant lived experience as a consumer or advocate. Knowledge of needs of culturally diverse adults and families required. Experience working with unhoused individuals preferred. Knowledge of SCC Behavioral Health systems and procedures highly desired. Medi-Cal experience highly desired. Must have proven experience with needs and resources for clients with mental health and/or substance abuse issues.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of clients or employees of organization. Bilingual communication skills highly desired (English/Vietnamese or Spanish/English).

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Valid California driver’s license with access to a personal vehicle with current insurance that can be used for company business. Current CPR and First Aid Certification required (or complete within 30 days of hire). Fingerprinting/background check as required by the Department of Justice and/or Title XXII regulations. TB test required.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS:

Ability to work with basic mathematical concepts as required for reporting.

REASONING ABILITY:

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

COMPUTER SKILLS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Internet software; spreadsheet software and word processing software. Internet research skills are a plus.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; stand, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is required to stand and walk and drive. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Work will be completed in the office and in the community including outdoor locations, client/family homes, homeless shelters/encampments, and at other community agencies.

EEO:

Bill Wilson Center is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.

This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. Because of a need to remain responsive to the needs of our clients and our Agency’s operations, responsibilities may be modified at any time.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person