Company Overview

Youth Villages has been a national leader in the adoption and implementation of research-based treatment philosophies in the field of children's mental and behavioral health. Our commitment to helping troubled children and their families find success spans 30+ years and includes a comprehensive array of programs and services.

If you are looking for a positive career move where you are meeting the challenges of life and striving to make a positive difference, then Youth Villages is the place for you. We are looking for people with a strong sense of purpose and focus to continually build confidence in yourself and our organization. Responsibilities

Program Overview

Provide specialized support to parents and caregivers who have youth enrolled in the Crisis and Transition Services (CATS) program. This will include meeting with caregivers to help them practice using skills to navigate through crises, helping the family develop strategies to overcome barriers, and helping the family identify and connect with resources that will meet their needs. The Family Peer Support Specialist will utilize the direct experience they have with parenting a child with complex needs along with appropriate and intentional use of self-disclosure to support family members and improve the overall resilience of the family.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

- Work as part of a collaborative CATS team that includes peer support and clinical staff to support families who are enrolled in the CATS program.

- Meet with family within 72 hours of intake into the CATS program to introduce family peer support role and identify ways this role can provide support for the caregiver’s needs as the family navigates through crisis.

- Provide phone and email support along with in-person meetings for adult family members and caregivers. Once weekly while in the program, and additional support provided as needed

- Schedule sessions and meet with families at a location convenient for the family member(s) in the community.

- Structure sessions based on families’ needs and identified goals.

- Utilize the CATS Family Guide with each family for purposes of discussion and learning.

- Coordinate with the CATS Specialist on family needs, barriers, and progress.

- Consult with the CATS specialist when any clinical needs or high risk safety needs are identified.

- Discharge families from CATS Peer Support once CATS program outcomes have been achieved.

- Complete documentation as required within the Youth Villages Electronic Health Record and the OHSU Redcap system.

- Attend weekly team meetings and ongoing training as assigned.

Experience Requirements

- Experience as a caregiver to a youth with complex health needs including mental, emotional, and/or behavioral health problems and has experience successfully navigating the child mental health and/or child welfare system. Qualifications

Requirements

A High School Diploma/GED is required
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Excellent written, verbal, and oral skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously
Basic computer knowledge
Ability to maintain a flexible schedule

Must possess Peer Support Specialist certification or complete an AMH approved Peer Support Specialist training program and become certified within six (6) months. Training may require travel and overnight stay for up to one week.

Must have a vehicle for personal transportation to/from sessions in the community and a valid driver’s license in the state where assigned with required auto insurance in the coverage amounts of 100/300/100.

Experience as a caregiver to a youth with complex health needs including mental, emotional, and/or behavioral health problems and has experience successfully navigating the child mental health and/or child welfare system.

Youth Villages is an equal opportunity employer and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Youth Villages is committed to not only advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace but also in our work with children and young adults. We know that children, families and young people of color can face inequity in child welfare and justice systems, and we train our employees to build the skills they need to work with the communities that we serve, as well as, other employees from different cultures and backgrounds. Youth Villages is opposed to racism in any of its forms and is committed to inclusion, equity, and diversity. We believe that respect for each other is crucial in the work that we do each day.