Family Partner

Advocates is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Family Partner to join our Peer Support Team. This role is designed for individuals who have lived experience navigating the mental health and human services systems on behalf of an adult family member and are passionate about supporting other families facing similar challenges. The Family Partner will embody the principles of peer support as offered and delivered at Advocates, promoting empowerment, self-advocacy, and resilience within the community.

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges. 

We’re a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated. 

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

• →Provide support to families navigating various systems, including mental health, education, and healthcare through the mutuality of shared lived experiences.
• →Secure the permission of the person currently receiving Advocates’ services and supports prior to working with any family members.
• →Develop, maintain and share current information on community resources related to the interests of those they support.
• →Connect and network with the larger community and other area peer support providers for the purposes of developing best practices, gathering community resources and mutual support.
• →Ensure that the people we support through our services are always treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Advocates Human Rights policy and The Advocates Way philosophy.
• →Commit to the principle of “nothing about us, without us” to ensure that we are transparent regarding communication and that we involve the family in all conversations regarding their support and services wherever possible.
• →Educate family members on policies and procedures generated by the state, Advocates, specific treatment modalities and other matters requiring explanation.
• →Provide support to family members and advocacy with treaters when clinical and/or safety concerns appear to supersede family preferences.
• →Respond in an empathic and organized fashion to family complaints, concerns and frustrations.
• →Maintain productive internal and external communication with staff, management and family members.
• →Maintain professional, pleasant, approachable and helpful demeanor at all times
• →Support family in building networks outside of the service system.
• →Attend and actively participate in supervisions and staff meetings
• →Attend and actively participate in all trainings as assigned.
• →Perform physical intervention in the event of a client crisis.
• →Ensure that individuals and families we support are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Advocates’ Human Rights Policy.

• High School Diploma or equivalent and personal experience as a family member to a person who has received support from the behavioral health system.
• Preferably certified as a Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) or eligible for certification within one year of hire.
• Strongly prefer a candidate that will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to read and write English and communicate effectively in the primary language of the program to which he/she is assigned
• Strong computer knowledge.
• Proven ability to use good judgment.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment and as well as work independently
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task
• High energy level and superior interpersonal skills.
• Must hold a valid drivers’ license. Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport clients.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.