JOB TITLE: Certified Peer Specialist - Parent
WORKING TITLE: Parent Peer
A Parent Peer is a parent, grandparent or guardian who is parenting, or has parented, a child with serious emotional disturbance or serious mental illness, and can articulate the understanding of their experience and share that experience with another parent/family. Parent Peers provide strength-based rehabilitative support services to parents that are expected to increase the child/family’s capacity to function within their home, school and community while promoting recovery. This person responsible for advocating for parents/families who have children with serious emotional disturbances. This position will require the Parent Peer to have innovative ideas to help parents/guardians increase knowledge of serious emotional disturbances and mental health needs of children and adolescents, assist with encouragement of families with cooperating with services, and promote self-empowerment of the parent.
PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS
Assist children’s services staff across assigned Units in Jefferson, Blount and/or St. Clair County
Serve as part of a treatment team for services offered to families
Assist and support family members in navigating through multiple agencies and human services systems (DHR, Family Court and School Systems)
Develop communication skills including effective communication with staff and doctors regarding treatment
Develop social skills and healthy social networks including peer and natural supports, self-help and self-advocacy groups
Assist families in developing healthy coping skills, problem solving skills, and locating community resources
Coaching that promotes wellness, trust, and hope for parents and families
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
High school diploma or equivalent
**Parents who have lived experience as a parent, grandparent, or guardian to a child with serious emotional disturbance or serious mental illness
Parent Peers must successfully complete an approved DMH CPS-Parent training program upon hire.
Valid Alabama driver's license and driving record acceptable to agency automobile insurance carrier for inclusion on agency policy. Suitable automobile to permit the required travel. Must show and maintain car insurance equal to or in excess of the State of Alabama standards for automobile insurance coverage.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITITES
Knowledge of special needs and behavioral characteristics of severely emotionally disturbed children
Knowledge of the community and available community resources
Ability to communicate effectively, both written and verbally, with a multi-disciplinary team
Working knowledge of interviewing techniques and principles
Willing to learn about psychotropic medications to include their use and side effects
Must be dependable, teachable and honest
Should be open to job requirements and have the ability to facilitate groups and activities
Should be available to work afternoon/early evening hours or weekend hours based on needs of the families
Knowledge of computer-based applications and willingness to learn the use of an electronic medical record system for documentation purposes
