Family Peer Level I

SUMMARY

• Ensure that appropriate linkage to Individual and Family Support Services are facilitated to assist the children enrolled in the Health Team.
• With the agreement of the family, serves as an organizer, information source, guide, advocate and facilitator for the family by helping them to assess strengths and needs, identifies treatment goals and needed services, and navigate the treatment system.
• The Family Peer will emphasize the use of informal, natural community supports as a primary strategy to assist health home enrollees and families.
• Family Peers interact regularly with other staff, including the Health Team, and treatment providers to assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol tobacco, and/or other drugs.
• Activities may include crisis intervention under the clinical supervision of staff with professional degrees, client advocacy, prevention and education.

• Essential functions and responsibilities
• Acts as a liaison for the family between Department of Human Services (DHS), courts, hospitals, schools and other community agencies to which the family needs access
• Provides liaison functions between the Health Team and other community services and groups
• Transports families and children to various locations
• Organizes and generates parent/youth support groups, while encouraging parent/youth participation
• Attends any scheduled meetings that are required
• Acts as a role model in relationships with clients and their families
• Completes paperwork to document activities and observations in a timely manner
• Participates in group outings as needed and assures safety for clients and their families
• Maintains core competencies in relation to working with co-occurring disorders through continuing education and implementing skills into all aspects of treatment
• Maintains effective working relationships and strategic alliances with consumers, other staff, the community and other non-profit organizations
• Builds rapport and working partnerships with relevant local, state, and federal government agencies
• Promotes community education projects to help increase awareness of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & Acute Mental Health Crises