Childrens NOVA Parent Peer Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Classification: NOVA Certified Parent Peer Specialist

NOVA provides treatment for individuals ages 15-25 who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis. The Parent Peer Specialist is a non-clinical staff hired to work in partnership with families who have a youth or young adult experiencing a first episode psychosis. The Parent Peer Specialist serves as a role model and works with families by sharing their own experiences while providing effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.

Supervised by: NOVA Program Coordinator

Division: Children’s Services

Normal Work Hours/Days: Varied schedule based on needs of youth/young adults served - up to 20 hours/week

Primary Job Functions:

Must be a parent or caregiver who has cared for a child who has experienced psychosis on a day-to-day basis

Have a strong sense of compassion, understanding, empathy, and life experience in order to support families and their children

Be self-motivated, have a strong sense of working boundaries with self-disclosure and family working relationships

Have strong communication skills and be a good listener

Provide ongoing emotional support, motivation and encouragement to help families with identifying their strengths and needs

Have the ability to work with diverse families

Meet with families by telephone and face to face meetings in the family’s home or an agreed upon location

Have experience with negotiation and dealing with conflict

Serve as an active member of the client's treatment team, including participation in team meetings and treatment planning meetings

Provide psycho-education with focus on illness management and family support

Maintain accurate and thorough records on all assigned cases and use documentation to assist the client and family in evaluating progress

Provide advocacy services on behalf of the family

Inform supervisor and other members of the treatment team of issues/concerns related to individual families

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Diploma or GED.

Must have personal experience with children’s mental health, who is willing to share his/her personal experiences. Must be a parent or caregiver who has cared for a child/young adult who has experienced psychosis prior to the age of 26.

Must become certified as a Certified Parent Peer Specialist by completing DMH-approved training(s). Must understand and endorse a recovery-oriented approach to providing services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Must be dependable.
• Must be teachable and honest.
• Ability to share skills and knowledge with others
• Ability to use one’s experiences as a family member of mental illness/addiction in a manner that is thoughtfully delivered to ensure youth/young adults and their families are not negatively influenced but empowered and motivated toward a healthy lifestyle.
• Must be able to mentor to and advocate for youth and young adults who have mental health needs and their families.
• Must be a good role model.
• Should have a personal vehicle readily available to use.
• Should be energetic and passionate.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a multi-disciplinary team
• Should be open to job requirements and have the ability to facilitate groups and activities.
• Should be available to work afternoon/early evening hours or weekend hours based on needs of the youth/young adults.
• Should be flexible, adaptable, integrative, and creative.