Job Information
Vanderheyden Family Peer Advocate in Troy, New York
Job Description
Vanderheyden is seeking a Family Peer Advocate. The Family Peer Advocate provides an array of formal and informal activities and support to families caring for/ raising a child who is experiencing social, emotional, medical, developmental, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement, and/or community.
Family Peer Support Services provides a structured, strength-based relationship between a Family Peer Advocate (FPA) and the parent/family member/caregiver for the benefit of the child/youth. Services are delivered in a trauma informed, culturally and linguistically competent manner.
Requirements
Qualifications:
Excellent writing and communication skills
Exceptional organizational skills and be highly detail oriented
Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
Must have the ability to work a flexible schedule to meet agency needs.
Family Peer Support will be delivered by a New York State Credentialed Family Peer Advocate (FPA).
Must demonstrate ‘lived experience’ as a parent or primary caregiver who has navigated multiple child serving systems on behalf of their child(ren) with social, emotional, developmental, health and/or behavioral healthcare needs.
At a minimum, have a high school diploma, high school equivalency preferred or a State Education Commencement Credential. This educational requirement can be waived by the State if the person has demonstrated competencies and has relevant life experience sufficient for the peer credential.
Complete Level One and Level Two of the Parent Empowerment Program Training for Family Peer Advocates or approved comparable training.
Submit three letters of reference attesting to proficiency in and suitability for the role of a Family Peer Advocate (FPA) including one from the FPAs supervisor.
Document 1000 hours of experience providing Family Peer Support Services.
Agree to practice according to the Family Peer Advocate Code of Ethics.
Complete 20 hours of continuing education and renew their FPA credential every two years.
OR
Family Peer Support will be delivered by a Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) with a Family Specialty.
To be certified as CPRA-Family, the individual must be at least 18 years of age and have the following:
Demonstrate lived experience as a primary caregiver of a youth who has participated in (or navigated) the addiction services system.
Provide outreach, advocacy and recovery support services for families seeking and sustaining recovery on behalf of a child or youth.
Have a high school diploma or General Equivalency Degree (GED) preferred or a State Education Commencement Credential.
Complete a minimum of 46 hours of content specific training, covering the topics: advocacy, mentoring/education, recovery/wellness support and ethical responsibility.
Document 500 hours of related work or volunteer experience
Provide evidence of at least 25 hours of supervision in a peer role.
Pass the NYCB/IC and RC Peer Advocate Exam or other exam by an OASAS designated certifying body.
Demonstrate a minimum of 20 hours in the area of Family Support (combined online and classroom training)
Complete 10 hours of continuing education per year of certification, including 2 hours of Ethics