Childrens NOVA Parent Peer Specialist

Jefferson Blount St Clair Mental Health Authority; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Job summary

Jefferson Blount St Clair Mental Health Authority seeks a NOVA Certified Parent Peer Specialist to work up to 20 hours per week in Birmingham, AL, providing peer support to families affected by early psychosis. The role emphasizes empathy, confidentiality, and collaboration with the treatment team.

Candidates must have lived experience as a parent/caregiver, be willing to obtain certification, and demonstrate strong communication and advocacy skills to empower families toward recovery.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Must have personal experience with children’s mental health and willing to share experiences.
• Must become certified as Certified Parent Peer Specialist by DMH-approved training.

Responsibilities

• Must be a parent or caregiver who has cared for a child who has experienced psychosis on a day-to-day basis.
• Provide ongoing emotional support, motivation and encouragement to help families identify strengths and needs.
• Meet with families by telephone and face-to-face meetings in the family’s home or an agreed location.
• Serve as an active member of the client’s treatment team, including participation in team meetings and treatment planning meetings.
• Provide psycho-education focused on illness management and family support.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Mentoring

Group facilitation

Advocacy

Teamwork

Education

High School

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Childrens Main Office - BIRMINGHAM, AL 35213

Position Type: Part Time

Education Level: High School

Job Shift: Day

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Classification: NOVA Certified Parent Peer Specialist

NOVA provides treatment for individuals ages 15-25 who are experiencing a first episode of psychosis. The Parent Peer Specialist is a non-clinical staff hired to work in partnership with families who have a youth or young adult experiencing a first episode psychosis. The Parent Peer Specialist serves as a role model and works with families by sharing their own experiences while providing effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.

Supervised by: NOVA Program Coordinator

Division: Children’s Services

Normal Work Hours/Days: Varied schedule based on needs of youth/young adults served - up to 20 hours/week

Primary Job Functions

• Must be a parent or caregiver who has cared for a child who has experienced psychosis on a day-to-day basis


• Have a strong sense of compassion, understanding, empathy, and life experience in order to support families and their children


• Be self-motivated, have a strong sense of working boundaries with self-disclosure and family working relationships


• Have strong communication skills and be a good listener


• Provide ongoing emotional support, motivation and encouragement to help families with identifying their strengths and needs


• Have the ability to work with diverse families


• Meet with families by telephone and face to face meetings in the family’s home or an agreed upon location


• Have experience with negotiation and dealing with conflict


• Serve as an active member of the client's treatment team, including participation in team meetings and treatment planning meetings


• Provide psycho-education with focus on illness management and family support


• Maintain accurate and thorough records on all assigned cases and use documentation to assist the client and family in evaluating progress


• Provide advocacy services on behalf of the family


• Inform supervisor and other members of the treatment team of issues/concerns related to individual families

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED.


• Must have personal experience with children’s mental health, who is willing to share his/her personal experiences. Must be a parent or caregiver who has cared for a child/young adult who has experienced psychosis prior to the age of 26.


• Must become certified as a Certified Parent Peer Specialist by completing DMH-approved training(s). Must understand and endorse a recovery-oriented approach to providing services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Must be dependable.


• Must be teachable and honest.


• Ability to share skills and knowledge with others


• Ability to use one’s experiences as a family member of mental illness/addiction in a manner that is thoughtfully delivered to ensure youth/young adults and their families are not negatively influenced but empowered and motivated toward a healthy lifestyle.


• Must be able to mentor to and advocate for youth and young adults who have mental health needs and their families.


• Must be a good role model.


• Should have a personal vehicle readily available to use.


• Should be energetic and passionate.


• Ability to communicate effectively with a multi-disciplinary team


• 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 youth/young adults.


• Should be flexible, adaptable, integrative, and creative.

Qualifications