Parent Advocate

We have an incredible opportunity for a Family Peer Advocate as part as our perinatal expansion in our Queens, NY location. Full time position (35 hours) week Monday to Friday with a flexible schedule for evenings and occasional weekends. Under the direction of the Program Director, the individual in this position is responsible for empowering pregnant and postpartum families and assisting the family in navigating and advocating in multiple child serving systems. This individual will support pregnant and postpartum parents as they develop positive approaches and methods to meet the needs of youth and their families at risk. The Family Advocate will work with the ECMH Perinatal team and community partners to assure overall needs of the client and family are met in order to prevent, reduce or eliminate postpartum depression or other parenting concerns during pregnancy. The family advocate will participate in program, agency meetings and in the our partner healthcare agency providing the family perspective and sharing their expertise in family driven care. This role requires “Lived Experience” and flexibility with working hours, including evenings, as determined by family needs that arise outside of normal service hours. Essential Job functions Provide informational and educational support on system navigation, advocacy and rights to empower families to become active participants in their child’s services. Make referrals and linkages to needed services and resources and assist with access. Supports the efforts of families in caring for and strengthening their children’smental, and physical health, development and well-being of their children by assisting the family learn and practice strategies to support their child’s positive behavior. Facilitate parent training and education to increase knowledge and skills while providing opportunities for networking with other families and creating natural supports. Forms and maintains relationships using effective communication and collaboration acting as a bridge between family and providers. Administer assessments and help family to identify gaps in services needed and assist in planning to eliminate gap. Develop treatment plan and safety plan with parent/caregiver supporting the family’s own identified goals. Promote effective family-driven practice. Attend and/or facilitate meetings to promote family voice and infuse a family perspective at all levels: individual provider, agency, local planning, state and national policy making. Maintain all necessary records, forms, notifications, authorizations, reports and summaries in client files to ensure compliance with all Federal, State, Funder, Medicaid Managed Care and Hillside standards. Other Duties Obtain and maintain credential/certification based on advocate’s role and funder requirements Participate in agency and team meetings, in-service trainings, and team building activities as well as volunteer and serve on agency and community committees as needed This job description is not exhaustive. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned. Education & Experience Education: High School or GED Experience: Minimum 2 years of “Lived Experience” (pregnancy trauma, NICU, postpartum, experience preferred) “Lived Experience” as a parent/caregiver of a child with a social, emotional, developmental, medical, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges; experience in navigating child serving systems to obtain services and resources for their child/family. Special Requirements: Bilingual Spanish required Note: Proof of any required license and/or accreditation will be required pre-employment and, as required, during employment. 1199 Union Position (salary determined based on exp)

Salary : $45,000