The Family Caregiver Advocate assists family members and caregivers of individuals experiencing mental illness, by providing information about mental health diagnoses, available treatments, and tools and resources for coping with the challenges of caring for a loved one living with a mental illness. The Family Caregiver Advocate advocates on behalf of family/caregivers who experience challenges interfacing with the mental health system and with treatment providers. The Family Caregiver Advocate offers primarily individual support but will provide support to groups on an as needed basis.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 Resource Center, the Family Partnership Program, the African American Family Outreach Program, and the Patients' Rights Advocacy Program. 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.We offer:Competitive salaryEligible for first pay increase after successful completion of 3-month introductory periodSome positions eligible for Bilingual Pay Differential for fluency in an Alameda County threshold language100% paid medical and dental coverage for the employeeEmployee Assistance Program (EAP) that includes free unlimited Tele-Doc and Psychotherapy servicesGenerous time-off benefits: 14 paid holidays, including the week between Christmas and New Years DayVacation leave 2 weeks per year, increases to 4 weeks by year 4 of employmentMileage reimbursement for work related travelPaid volunteer time-offTuition reimbursementOn-the-job trainingThe Patients' Rights Advocacy Program of Alameda County (PRA) works to ensure that individuals with serious mental illness receive quality treatment from facilities and providers of mental health services.The Family Caregiver Advocate:Assists clients in navigating the complex behavioral health care system and criminal justice system in Alameda CountySupports clients by phone or via in-person consultation at John George Psychiatric HospitalProvides a full range of information, support, encouragement, advocacy, and referrals to appropriate community resources, and related services to assist clients in coping effectively with immediate and/or long-term situationsServes as an information resource on mental health lawTypical Duties and Responsibilities:Provide education on Family and Patients' Rights regarding mental health treatment options and lawsActively participate in liaison role with key partners such as NAMI affiliates and the Alameda County Behavioral Health Department by attending meetings, co-facilitating trainings, etc.Provide assistance with completion of AB 1424 mental health history formsAttend and/or facilitate family caregiver support groupsProvide information and referral to callers for whom an official grievance is not needed or desiredRequired Qualifications:6 months experience working with people with serious mental illness and/or substance abuse issuesExperience providing information and referralsAssociates DegreeMust successfully pass a fingerprint background check by CADOJ and FBIProficiency in Microsoft Office - Outlook (email) and Word (documents)Have a valid CA Drivers License, daily access to a working motor vehicle, maintain legally required vehicle liability insurance and have an acceptable motor vehicle report as determined by MHAAC's insurance brokerPreferred Qualifications:Bachelors DegreeKnowledge of Alameda County mental health care systemExperience facilitating support groupsExperience delivering services using video-based platforms such as Zoom and/or Microsoft TeamsBilingual in one of Alameda County's threshold languages: Cantonese, Farsi, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Tagalog, or VietnameseDays/Hours of Work: 36 hours per week, Days/Time to be determinedWork Location: 2855 Telegraph Ave. Berkeley, CA and John George Psychiatric Hospital 2060 Fairmont Dr. San Leandro, CAPay: $27.51 per hour (plus eligible for 4.5% Bilingual Pay Differential for fluency in an Alameda County threshold language)
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