Help Wanted!!                                  

 

We’re seeking family members of children with behavioral health issues to provide peer-to-peer support and advocacy services in the following areas:  O’Neil, South Sioux City, Fremont, and Norfolk.

This is a full-time positions with generous benefits.  Must be willing to travel within the state and to provide services in client’s homes,   If you’ve learned how the “system” works, you’re our ideal candidate!  Come help us improve services to children.  Parents of children with behavioral health issues will be given priority.  To  apply send a resume or work history to:

 

                                                Robert Gereaux

                                                Parent to Parent Network

                                                201 Miller Avenue

                                                Norfolk, NE  68701

                                                                

JOB/POSITION TITLE:           Family Care Partner (Non-Exempt)

 

SUPERVISOR’S TITLE:          Family Service Supervisor

 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

 

Provide parent-to-parent support and advocacy for families who have children with emotional, behavioral or mental disorders that reside within the 22 counties of Region IV. Work with families that meet the eligibility criteria for the Region IV Professional Partner Program as well as those families who do not meet the eligibility criteria. Be a liaison and advocate between systems such as the mental health system, schools, social services and the families served, advocating for the parent’s and youth’s needs and rights utilizing the wraparound process.

 

Be a resource for families by providing information on and accessing the available services in the families’ communities. Identify education opportunities for parents to enhance their understanding and management of their child’s special needs. Maintain documentation for each family. Assist in the coordination of the child/family team, the development of a child/family centered plan, and the achievement of its goals and objectives. 

 

SALARY:        Depending upon qualifications      Full-time

 

MAJOR FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 

1.   Meets with and/or contacts assigned families based on the families needs and goals.

 

2.      Assess families’ strengths and need to:

1. Obtain family history, assess needs and any other information as appropriate
2. Ensure families’ needs are met utilizing the wraparound process

 

3.      Participates as a liaison and advocate between the family and systems such as the mental health system, schools and social services. Works collaboratively with other agencies and private providers to monitor and ensure families are receiving services that they are entitled to and that meet their needs. Advocates for the families’ rights and insures that families are treated in a respectful and empowering manner.

 

4.      Participates in the development of the child and family team and goal planning utilizing the principles of wraparound. Attends child/family team meetings and other related meetings at family’s request.

 

5.      Provides support and education for parents around their child’s special needs.

 

6.      Connects families with the Parent to Parent Network parent support groups and other community support services and resources. Helps to establish and maintain a support group/or network for parents.

 

7.      Participates in program staffing, case conferences, and other meetings held by providers and/or agencies which involve families.

 

8.      Documents all meetings, contacts and activities with the family, always providing the family with a copy.

 

9.      Completes necessary paperwork and reports in a timely fashion.

 

10.  Participates in quality assurance, evaluation and research processes of the Family Care Partner Program.

 

11.  Participates in the discharge planning.

 

12.  Assists in identifying service gaps and in developing community plans to address needs identified by families in their respective communities.

 

13.  Maintains child and family rights to confidentiality in compliance with the State and Federal laws.

 

14.  Represents Parent to Parent Network on committees and at meetings throughout the service area to promote the program, its work and the fundamentals of the agency. Participate in committee work for Parent to Parent Network as needed.

 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

 

The following knowledge, skills and abilities are indicated by formal education courses, training and/or previous experience, and personal/family experiences:

 

1.      High school diploma/equivalent – preference will be given to a parent with a child who has received mental health services and who has been an active participant in the child’s service plan development.

 

2.      Additional training and/or experience in the area of mental health services, leadership, and support group development helpful.

 

3.      Working knowledge of:

1. wraparound process
2. family driven care
3. severe emotional disturbance in children
4. accessing community resources
5. available children’s mental health services
6. school related policies
7. laws relating to children with disabilities

 

4.      Ability to initiate, build rapport and maintain relationships with families and child-serving agencies.

 

5.      Ability to work independently with little supervision.

 

6.      Ability to read, write, and type to complete written reports. 

 

7.      Ability to perform basic math functions—adding, subtracting, multiplication, division, etc. to complete budgets, expense reports, and other necessary reports.

 

8.      Basic computer skills.

 

9.      Ability to collaborate with others as part of a team.

 

10.  Ability to be sensitive to family situations and the needs of families.

 

11.  Ability to present a positive impression of the agency to the public.

 

12.  Strong written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.

 

13.  Ability to plan, organize, and complete job duties.

 

14.  Ability to maintain effective work relationships and communicate with supervisor, co-workers, Parent to Parent Network members and family members.

 

15.  Aptitude for creative thinking and flexibility.

 

16.  Ability to travel throughout the Region IV service area.

 

17.  Ability to stand, walk, and occasionally transport objects weighing up to ten pounds.

 

18.  Must be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

 

19.  Must successfully undergo and pass a comprehensive background check.

 

20.  Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.

 

21.  Willingness and ability to work evening and weekend hours as needed.

 

22.  Reliable transportation is required.

 

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

 

Minimum of a High School Diploma with additional training and/or experience in the area of mental health services, leadership and support group development required. Must also have strong organizational and communication skills and an ability to deal effectively with a variety of agencies and individuals at any level.