Family Advocate-Children Mobile Crisis Team

Davita Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking compassionate Family Advocates to support children and families in navigating complex care systems. This role emphasizes empathy and lived experience, guiding clients through essential resources and advocating for their needs. Join a dedicated team that values integrity and agility, offering opportunities for professional growth and development. With a commitment to client-centered care, you will play a vital role in enhancing the well-being of vulnerable populations across New York. If you're passionate about making a difference and have a background in social services, this is the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)

Health Insurance Plans

Employer-Matched Retirement Savings

Tuition Reimbursement

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Professional Growth Opportunities

Referral Bonus Opportunities

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required.
• Credentialed family peer advocate preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients with entitlements like Medicaid and Public Assistance.
• Engage families to improve their quality of life.
• Maintain accurate documentation in compliance with regulations.

Skills

Family Support

Advocacy

Mental Health Knowledge

Communication

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Social Work

Relevant Experience in Social Services

Job description

Overview

VNS Health Family Advocates embody our core values of Empathy, Integrity, and Agility by helping children and their families access life-changing resources, whether it's basic needs like housing and public assistance or community programs that support social-emotional wellbeing. This role draws on lived experience to guide others through challenging times. Family Advocates are trusted navigators of complex systems that help VNS Health clients live and heal at home surrounded by their family and community.

VNS Health provides vital client-centered behavioral health care to New Yorkers most in need, across all stages of life and mental well-being. We deliver care wherever our clients are, including outpatient clinics, clients' homes, and the community. Our service models include acute, transitional, and intensive care management programs that impact the most vulnerable populations, from children to aging adults. As part of our growing Behavioral Health team, you'll have opportunities to develop and advance your skills, whether you're early in your career or an experienced professional.

What We Provide

• Attractive referral bonus opportunities
• Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 20 days and 9 holidays
• Health insurance plans for you and your loved ones, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability
• Employer-matched retirement savings funds
• Personal and financial wellness programs
• Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent care
• Generous tuition reimbursement for qualifying degrees
• Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement
• Internal mobility, CEU credits, and advancement opportunities
• Interdisciplinary network of colleagues through the VNS Health Social Services Community of Professionals

What You Will Do

• Apply shared lived experiences navigating care systems as a caregiver. Serve as a role model, advocate, and mentor for children and families.
• Assist with obtaining and maintaining clients' entitlements, including Medicaid, Public Assistance, SSI, and help with housing or utility issues.
• Interview clients and significant others when appropriate to understand social and emotional factors related to mental health problems.
• Engage actively with families to encourage service reception and empower them to improve their quality of life.
• Develop a resource inventory to meet clients' needs identified during assessments.
• Advocate for and assist clients in utilizing community resources, arrange transportation, and accompany clients as necessary.
• Provide linkage, coordination, referral, and follow-up with other service providers, monitoring appointments and services.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members to discuss care needs and develop solutions.
• Participate in planning meetings with service providers to coordinate care plans.
• Maintain accurate documentation, including clinical and progress notes, in compliance with agency, state, city, and federal requirements.
• Engage in agency and community programs and education as requested.
• Attend team meetings, case conferences, staff meetings, quality assurance, and supervision sessions as required.

Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license required (matching state of residence)
• Credentialed family peer advocate preferred

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in social work, health and human services, or related field preferred
• Two or more years of relevant experience in a social service agency or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred

Work Experience:

• At least one year of experience in a mental health or social service setting focusing on family support or psycho-education
• Lived experience as a caregiver for children with behavioral health needs, in accordance with NY State and NYC regulations
• Bilingual skills may be required based on operational needs

Compensation

$20.98 - $26.23 Hourly

About Us

VNS Health is one of the nation's largest nonprofit home and community-based health care organizations. With over 130 years of innovation, our mission is to help people live, age, and heal where they feel most comfortable—at home, with their families and communities. Over 10,000 team members deliver compassionate care and 24/7 solutions to more than 43,000 neighbors daily. Powered by data analytics, we offer a full range of health care services and solutions designed to meet diverse community needs in New York and beyond.