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VNS Health Family Advocates embody our core values of Empathy, Integrity, and Agility by helping children and their families access life changing resources whether itās basic needs of housing and public assistance or community resource 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, clientsā homes, and the community. Our short- and long-term service models include acute, transitional, and intensive care management programs that impact the most vulnerable populations, from children, to adolescents, to aging adults. As part of our fast-growing Behavioral Health team, youāll have an opportunity to develop and advance your skills, whether youāre early in your career or an experienced professional.
Compensation:
$20.98 - $26.23 Hourly
What We ProvideĀ Ā
- Referral bonus opportunitiesĀ Ā Ā
- Generous paid time off (PTO), starting at 20 days of paid time off and 9 company holidays ā
- Health insurance plan for you and your loved ones, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and DisabilityĀ Ā
- Employer-matched retirement saving fundsĀ
- Personal and financial wellness programsāÆĀ
- Pre-tax flexible spending accounts (FSAs) for healthcare and dependent careāÆāÆĀ
- Generous tuition reimbursement for qualifying degreesĀ
- Opportunities for professional growth and career advancementāÆĀ
- Internal mobility, CEU credits, and advancement opportunitiesāÆāÆĀ
- Interdisciplinary network of colleagues through the VNS Health Social Services Community of ProfessionalsĀ
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What You Will Do
- Applies mutually shared and lived experiences navigating the systems of care as a caregiver. Serves as a role model, advocate, and mentor for children and familiesĀ
- Assists with obtaining and maintaining clientsā entitlements, including Medicaid, Public Assistance, SSI as well as assisting with problems related to housing or utilitiesĀ
- Interviews clients and significant others, when appropriate, in order to obtain personal histories and to understand the social and emotional factors related to the clientās mental health problemsĀ
- Participates in frequent active engagement with families to engage them in receiving services and assists in empowering them to take the steps necessary to maximize their quality of lifeĀ
- Develops inventory of resources that will meet the clientsā needs as identified in the assessment process.Ā
- Advocates for and assists clients in utilizing adjunctive community resources. Arranges transportation and accompanies clients to appropriate facilities/agencies, as necessaryĀ
- Provides linkage, coordination with, referral to and follow-up with other service providers. Monitors appointments medical facilities, social service agencies or other providers of concrete servicesĀ
- Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to discuss care needs and identify solutions to support clients/consumers/membersĀ
- Attends planning meetings with service providers to coordinate service plansĀ
- Initiates written (including clinical and progress notes) and verbal communications, and ensures that all patient record keeping is in compliance with agency, state, city and federal requirementsĀ
- Participates in agency and community programs and education, as requestedĀ
- Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, staff meetings, quality assurance meetings, and supervision meetings as requiredĀ
Qualifications
- Effective oral /written/interpersonal communication skills and ability to work collaboratively, on an interdisciplinary team.Ā
- Bachelorās degree in social work, health and human services or a related field preferredĀ
- Two or more years of equivalent and relevant experience in a social service agency, ORĀ Ā demonstrated ability to relate to client population OR an equivalent combination of the education and experienceĀ
- Minimum of one year of experience in a mental health or social service setting with emphasis on family support services and/or family psycho-education requiredĀ
- Youth Peer Advocate (YPA) and/or Family Peer Advocate (FPA) Certification(s) may be requiredĀ
- Valid New York State driverās license, as determined by operational/regional needs.Ā
- Bilingual skills may be required as determined by operational needs.Ā
- Sharing your experience with others who are navigating behavioral health and substance use challenges is life changing which is why we welcome you to apply even if you donāt meet all criteria.Ā Ā
