Under the direction of the Program Manager of Special Projects and within federal, state and local guidelines performs complex human services support work. Work involves providing information to clients or supporting staff in the delivery of social services; may also include training or mentoring others.
The Family Partner will provide services to families that are receiving all Levels of Care to help with referrals, advocacy and empowerment by providing Wraparound process or informal skills training. The Family Partner is a formal member of the Wraparound team whose role is to serve families and help them engage and actively participate on the team and make informed decisions that drive the process. Family Partners have a strong connection to the community and are very knowledgeable about resources, services and supports for families. The Family Partner’s personal experience is critical to earning the respect of families and establishing trusting relationships that are valued by the family. The Family Partner can be a mediator, facilitator or bridge between families and agencies. Family Partners ensure each family is heard and their individual needs are being addressed and met. Works under moderate supervision, with limited latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
Education, Training, and Experience
· Education High School Diploma or GED is required to qualify as a Family Partner.
· Must become a Certified Family Partner within 6 months of employment. Must have a minimum of one year’s experience of raising a child with mental health, emotional, or behavioral challenges.
· Must have experience navigating mental health, special education or the Juvenile Justice System.
· Need a good knowledge base of mental illness diagnoses and behavior disorders in children and/or adolescents.
· Must be able to collaborate closely with a team of family members and professionals to develop and implement individualized plans of care.
· Must have a flexible schedule to meet with the family at times that are convenient to the team, to ensure active participation of all wraparound team members.
Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications
· Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
Department: Peer Support Program PAL: 20-318
Reports to: Program Manager of Special Projects Grant Funded: ? Yes ? No
FTE Status: Full-Time Work Model: In-Person
Schedule: Monday-Friday 8-5 pm, varies
occasionally based on need ? Exempt ? Non-Exempt
· Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.
o Individuals with an out-of-state driver’s license must be able to obtain a driver’s license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.
· Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
· Knowledge of the needs, problems, and community environments of persons with disabilities; of community and government service delivery systems; of case management systems; and of community welfare resources.
· Skill in conducting individual needs assessments and in the operation of computers and applicable computer software.
· Ability to negotiate services, to communicate effectively, and to train others.
· Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.
Essential Duties
1. Serves as a peer mentor to parents and caregivers, providing informal emotional support and shared lived experience.
2. Research and share community resources with families that meet their specific needs; assists parents, caregivers, and consumers in accessing social support services.
3. Teaches families and caregivers effective advocacy skills; provides Wraparound services for qualifying families, including but not limited to attending at minimum 50% of all Child and Family Treatment meetings (CFT), which occur monthly in the clients’ home, community, or virtually.
4. Facilitates caregivers’ ability to work collaboratively with professionals in the community.
5. Schedules and oversees ongoing Family Support Groups to strengthen family coping skills, support family unity, and promote day-to-day functioning for families of children with mental health needs. Groups are held at least twice monthly in Denton and Flower Mound. This role is responsible for multiple groups in addition to the Family Support Group.
6. Works with the Center’s annual School Supply Drive and Holiday Helping Hands by collecting names of interested families and coordinating the distribution of items.
7. Maintains accurate and concise documentation of all contact with families, team members, and providers, including follow-up on referrals.
8. Delivering services and supports that reflect and respect the cultural values, backgrounds, and practices of each child and family.
9. Attend community events and trainings relevant to child and adolescent services and the Family Partner role to increase awareness and outreach. Work hours may vary depending on event scheduling.
10. Attends all Special Projects weekly team meetings and trainings.
11. Attends monthly Child and Adolescent Services team meetings.
12. Attends all required Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCG) meetings and HHSC Certified Family Partner calls each month. Attendance at these meetings is mandatory.
13. Maintains certification by completing a minimum of 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years.
14. Provides emergency intervention when necessary according to Department of Human Services (DHS) and Center Policies and Procedures. Provides verbal and physical PMAB intervention correctly when necessary; provides CPR in an emergency until other medical aid arrives; provides emergency and non-emergency first aid until professional medical aid arrives or as directed by a licensed medical professional
15. Maintains a driving record in compliance with DCMHMR insurance requirements and performs additional duties as assigned by the department supervisor within designated timeframes.
Full Time: Non-Exempt
Work Model: In person
Monday through Friday: 8AM-5PM
Pay Range: $15/Hourly
Full-time employees are eligible for full medical, dental and vision benefits. Part time employees are eligible for full medical and dental benefits. Incentives are available if employee chooses to participate in Center's Wellness Program.
Denton County MHMR Center is an approved NHSC (CMHC) and Pediatric Specialty with HRSA and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) site.