Family Advocate-Children Mobile Crisis Team

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 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, clients' 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, you'll have an opportunity 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 of paid time off

and 9 company holidays

Health insurance plan for you and your loved ones, Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability

Employer-matched retirement saving 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

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 families

Assists with obtaining and maintaining clients' entitlements, including Medicaid, Public Assistance, SSI as well as assisting with problems related to housing or utilities

Interviews clients and significant others, when appropriate , in order to obtain personal histories and to understand the social and emotional factors related to the client's mental health problems

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 life

Develops inventory of resources that will meet the clients' needs as identified in the assessment process

Advocates for and assists clients in utilizing adjunctive community resources. Arranges transportation and accompanies clients to appropriate facilities / agencies, as necessary

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 services

Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members to discuss care needs and identify solutions to support clients / consumers / members

Attends planning meetings with service providers to coordinate service plans

Initiates written (including clinical and progress notes) and verbal communications, and ensure s that all patient record keeping is in compliance with agency, state, city and federal requirements

Participates in agency and community programs and education, as requested

Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, staff meetings, quality assurance meetings, and supervision meetings as required

Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications :

Valid driver's license (i.e., license matching state of residence) required

Credentialed family peer advocate preferred

Education :

Bachelor's Degree in social work, health and human services or a related field preferred

Two or more years of equivalent and relevant experience in a social service agency OR an equivalent combination of the education and experience preferred

Work Experience :

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 required

Lived experience as a caregiver for children with behavioral health needs in accordance with the New York State Office of Mental Health and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. required

Bilingual skills may be required as determined by operational needs

Pay Range

USD $20.98 - USD $26.23 / Hr.

About Us

VNS Health

is one of the nation's largest nonprofit home and community-based health care organizations. Innovating in health care for more than 130 years, our commitment to health and well-being is what drives us - we help people live, age and heal where they feel most comfortable, in their own homes, connected to their family and community. On any given day, more than 10,000 VNS Health team members deliver compassionate care, unparalleled expertise and 24 / 7 solutions and resources to the more than 43,000 "neighbors" who look to us for care. Powered and informed by data analytics that are unmatched in the home and community-health industry, VNS Health offers a full range of health care services, solutions and health plans designed to simplify the health care experience and meet the diverse and complex needs of the communities and people we serve in New York and beyond.