Job Description

The Family Support Specialist provides assistance and support to all Behavioral Health Home (BHH) teammates from the Peer Support perspective. This position provides the member (client) and their family assistance with system navigation and provides information on community-based and peer support systems to aid in meeting the personal goals and objectives of the client and his or her family. The Family Support Specialist assists in identifying and developing social support networks of clients and families. The Family Support Specialist also assists in maintaining up-to-date information on community resources and systems and peer support services, and navigating all of the above.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• GEAR Parent-Peer Support Leadership Institute training or be willing to obtain within the first 9 months of employment and must maintain certification requirements as defined by OCFS.
• The Family Support Specialist is an individual who is receiving or has received services and supports, or who has a family member who has received services and supports related to the diagnosis of a mental illness, is in recovery from that illness, and who is willing to self-identify on this basis with BHH members.
• Valid State of Maine driver license, reliable transportation with proof of registration and insurance, and willingness to use own transportation for work.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identifies, develops, and educates members on peer support systems available and assists in the accessing of natural support systems.
• Assists members in making connections to peer advocacy groups, peer support services, family support networks, wellness centers, and other peer-run or peer-centered services.
• Maintains updated information on area peer support services.
• Provides advocacy and/or training in self-advocacy techniques.
• Follows up with members and other providers as needed regarding peer support systems.
• Identifies, with member, barriers to success, and identifying resources to improve or eliminate barriers.
• Maintains consistent communication and collaboration within the BHH team.
• Provides education on, and advocates for, use of client-centered, recovery-oriented language and best practices.

LEADERSHIP:

• Play a lead role in UCP being a preferred employer by promoting staff growth and celebration, strong supervision, guidance and support, and development and recognition.
• Foster highly integrated communication and collaboration within and among the team.
• Honor, celebrate, and advocate for diversity at UCP.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

• The Family Support Specialist must maintain ongoing certification that qualifies them for this role.
• Attend any necessary groups to work with and coordinate with other Family Support Specialists.
• If deemed appropriate, attend and complete any ongoing requirements for the Certified Intentional Peer Support Specialist certification.

DOCUMENTATION & WRITING:

• Complete documentation and writing responsibilities in a timely, accurate, actual, objective, and neat manner using correct spelling and grammar.
• Review, sign, and document appropriate action on all reports in a timely manner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to squat, stoop/bend, kneel, climb stairs, lift at least 20 pounds, and push and pull against potential resistance.
• Adequate vision, reading, writing and documentation skills, and hearing to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Ability to maintain assigned work hours, having sufficient endurance to perform tasks over extended periods.

OTHER DUTIES: This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of responsibilities for the position. Other duties and/or responsibilities may be assigned as needed.

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