Family Partner/Peer Support

Do you have personal experience raising a child with special education or mental health needs?

Would you like to share your knowledge and experience with others? Turn your personal experience into a rewarding mental health career!

• Competitive Salary
• Eligible for first pay increase after successful completion of three month introductory period
• 100% paid medical and dental for the employee
• Generous time off benefits:
• 14 Paid Holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Years
• Vacation leave of 2 weeks per year, increases to 4 weeks by year four
• 4.5% Bilingual Pay Differential for proficiency in an Alameda County threshold language
• Paid lunch break
• Paid volunteer time-off
• Supportive and collaborative work environment
• Training and growth opportunities
• Reimbursement for work travel

The Mental Health Association of Alameda County (MHAAC) is a well-established non-profit organization with long term staff that assists and advocates for people with mental illness and their family members through programs including the Family Education and Resource Center, the Family Partnership Program and Patients' Rights Advocates. Together, these programs assist thousands of people with serious mental illness and their family members every year. We envision a world without stigma where people with mental health challenges and their family members are free to live their best lives. MHAAC's current budget is around $5 million.

FAMILY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM

The Family Partnership Program works with a multidisciplinary team to help support the families and caregivers of children with behavioral and/or emotional challenges. Family Partners have firsthand experience raising a child with these challenges. They offer families peer support and assistance in navigating services available through county, school system, and/or the juvenile justice system. Family Partners also conduct trainings for parents and provide emotional support to caregivers. The Family Partnership Program provides services within the Alameda County Behavioral Health (ACBH) system serving children and young adults.

OVERVIEW: FAMILY PARTNER POSITION

The Family Partner reports to the Program Director and collaborates with other professionals as part of Alameda County Behavioral Health Department (BHD) multidisciplinary youth services team. The Family Partner will assist and mentor families navigating Alameda County Children and Young Adult System of Care services: behavioral health, special education, child welfare, and juvenile justice. The Family Partner is required to document all services in Clinician's Gateway according to BHD/CalAim standards and requirements, and maintain an active caseload of families.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with other professionals as part of BHD multidisciplinary child and young adult services
• Assist and mentor families navigating Alameda County System of Care services: behavioral health, special education, child welfare, and juvenile justice
• Assist families in obtaining community services and support
• Participate in training, conferences and workshops related to youth and family issues
• Assist families to become empowered, advocate and educated as members of their child's treatment team
• Act as a peer liaison with families and providers
• Complete all necessary reports within deadlines

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have personal experience raising a child who has received services (mental health, special education, social services, and/or juvenile probation). Note: Education/professional experience does NOT replace the lived experience that is required.
• Must successfully pass a fingerprint background check by CADOJ and FBI
• Must have a motor vehicle available for daily use, possess a valid California drivers license, carry vehicle liability insurance, and have an acceptable motor vehicle report, as determined by MHAAC's insurance broker.
• Possess a high school diploma, or equivalency certificate.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office - Outlook (email) and Word (documents)

ADDITIONAL DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual in an Alameda County Threshold Language: Arabic, Cantonese, Farsi, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese
• Ability to coordinate appointments, schedules, meetings and deadlines while maintaining flexibility
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload to meet deadlines
• Experience delivering services using video-based platforms such as Zoom

HOURS OF WORK: 36 hours per week, full-time

LOCATION: This position will be based in San Leandro, CA. The Family Partner will be required to travel by car to clients and meetings within Alameda County

SALARY: $27.51 per hour (approximately $51,500 annually). 4.5% Bilingual Pay Differential - if fluent in a county threshold language. Employee benefits include generous vacation, sick leave, and health/dental insurance. Required travel for clients and meetings is reimbursed at the federal reimbursement rate

The Mental Health Association of Alameda County is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

We are also committed to offering an inclusive and accessible experience for all job seekers, including individuals with disabilities. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone has the opportunity to be successful. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening, apply for a position, or participate in the interview process, connect with us and describe the specific accommodation

Mental Health Assn of Alameda County provided the following inclusive hiring information:

• Women-led organization
• Disability accommodations
• LGBTQ+ friendly workplace
• Age-inclusive
• Diversity and inclusion training or programs
• Paid time off

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $27.51 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 7.2 hour shift

COVID-19 considerations:

Air purifiers in the office.

Application Question(s):

• DEAL BREAKER: Do you have personal experience raising a child who has received mental health, special education, social services, and/or juvenile probation services?
• Are you bilingual?
• Are you a Certified Peer Support Specialist?

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: One location