The Family Peer Support Specialist is part of crisis response to children and families experiencing a crisis.  This includes mobile response in the community and supporting families who present at Hawthorn.  The Family Peer Support Specialist works collaboratively with parents, caregivers, teammates and community partners, to promote immediate safety and stability, greater independence, community integration and recovery.  Services provided by peers include a wide variety of supports, services and advocacy that contribute to a family's ability to engage in ongoing treatment. Family Support Specialists have direct experience as a parent or primary caregiver of a child with complex health needs and specialized training in the unique process of "walking beside" families experiencing complex circumstances.   

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Hawthorn site.

Days/Hours: Mon-Fri 9:30 am - 6:00 pm

Pay/Benefits: $24.78 starting hourly pay , plus Full benefits.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Works in collaboration with all the crisis program staff and community partners to assist families with safety planning and connecting to on-going mental health services.
• Uses his/her own experiences in a strategic way and models the principles of recovery for those they work with, including self-care, gaining greater independence, emphasize wellness and self-determination. 
• Work with families on specific and obtainable goals included in the person's short term crisis treatment plan 
• Informs people served of available service options while promoting the use of natural supports and resources within the community. 
• Present a model of someone in recovery and share their own experiences as their training provided guidance. 
• Provides support to caregivers or parents of youth who are having symptoms that could result in hospitalization.  Duties could include accompanying to school meetings, spending time with caregivers. Assists clients in accessing community resources such as support groups, food boxes, healthcare appointments and other services as appropriate.
• Educate parents / primary caregivers and natural supports on mental illness in children and adolescents. 
• Help families develop skills to get through crises. 
• Assist the family in understanding clinical language and systems and practice positive communication with clinicians and other health care providers.
• Maintain confidentiality of records relating to clients' treatment. 
• Educate and advocate for the values and principles of Peer Delivered Services and the Recovery Model.
• Completes documentation on a timely basis.

Qualifications:  

• Have "lived" experience as a parent or primary caregiver of a child who has experienced mental, emotional and / or behavioral health problems. 
• Meets the Family Support Specialist qualification criteria adopted under ORS 414.665 and may be either a peer support specialist or a peer wellness specialist who, based on similar life experiences, provides support services to and has experience parenting a child who: Is a current or former consumer of mental health or addiction treatment; or is facing or has faced difficulties in accessing education, health, and wellness services due to mental health or behavioral health barriers. 
• Holds a Peer Support Specialist certification from a State-approved training program. Current Family Support Specialist certification is preferred but can be completed after hire.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and ability to provide culturally competent treatment services to diverse client populations.
• Familiar with developmental needs of adults and children.
• Basic computer skills including keyboarding, use of mouse, ability to navigate website and use common web browser.
• Transporting clients in an agency vehicle is required.   A valid driver's license and ability to meet driving requirements are necessary. 

This is a represented position. 

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include Compassionate, Impactful Care, Holistic Health, Passionate Team, and Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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