Under the direction of the Program Manager of the Youth Crisis Outreach Team (YCOT) 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 with children ages 3-17 who have emotional, behavioral, or mental health disorders and are being served by YCOT. . The youth served will currently or recently have experienced a mental health crisis. The family partner will explore unmet family needs and explore possible community resources to help the youth and family have better treatment outcomes. The Family Partner assists the parent/caregiver in becoming an advocate for the child, provides guidance in utilizing existing services and developing/organizing natural resources within the family and community. The Family Partner assumes a peer-mentoring role, engages the family in the Recovery Process, and provides on-going training to the parent/caregiver to sustain success. The Family Partner can assist in the development of the Recovery Plan with strengths, needs, skills, supports and resources. The position will provide community-based services in the youth's home, at school or other community locations. This position will report directly to the Program Manager of YCOT . This individual must be able to work within a multi-disciplinary treatment team and have excellent engagement, time management and organizational skills. Travel within Denton County is required. Candidate must have a reliable vehicle and transportation. Mileage reimbursement is paid if personal vehicle is utilized for Center business, not to include travel to and from work. The Family Partner is responsible and accountable for the adherence to and promotion of the Center compliance policy.

This position is grant funded and continued employment is contingent upon the availability and renewal of grant funding. The current grant period runs through 2030.

Education, Training, and Experience

• Education High School Diploma or GED is required to qualify as a Family Partner.
• Must become a Certified Family Partner at time of hire or within 6 months of employment.
• Texas Driver's license in good standing required.
• Must be a parent of a child who is currently, or has in the past, received services from a child-serving agency for mental health related issues.

• Have successfully navigated a child serving system for 1 year and be able to articulate their lived experience as it relates to care and advocacy for their child who is in a stable place in their recovery.

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).
• 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 navigate services, to communicate effectively, and to train others.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

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.

4. Facilitates caregivers' ability to work collaboratively with professionals in the community.

5. Co-responds to individuals experiencing a mental health crisis with other YCOT members.

a. Responds to various community and Center locations to provide support to family members during a crisis episode, including but not limited to schools, detention centers, hospitals, and private residences.

b. Ensures families receive appropriate follow up following a crisis intervention.

6. Facilitates or co-facilitates groups, as needed.

7. Works with community partners to provide education regarding YCOT and Family Partner services.

a. Engages in community presentations, both within the Center and externally.

8. 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.

9. Ensures that all documentation for services rendered is submitted to the Center within (2) business days.

10. Deliver services and supports that reflect and respect the cultural values, backgrounds, and practices of each child and family

11. 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.

12. Attends all YCOT team meetings and trainings.

13. Attends all required Community Resource Coordination Groups (CRCG) meetings and HHSC Certified Family Partner calls each month. Attendance at these meetings is mandatory.

14. Maintains certification by completing a minimum of 20 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) every two years.

15. Provides emergency intervention when necessary, according to Health and Human Services (HHSC) 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

16. Maintains and tracks all necessary data for grant reporting as assigned.

17. Maintains a driving record in compliance with DCMHMR insurance requirements and performs additional duties as assigned by the department supervisor within designated timeframes.

18. Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

a. Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Youth Crisis Outreach Team (YCOT), Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.

b. Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.

c. Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed