Family Support Specialist - Felton Institute

Family Support Specialist

(re)MIND® San Mateo

Early Psychosis

Agency Overview

Felton Institute responds to the needs of our community by providing innovative, evidence-informed social services that transform lives. Our organization offers 50+ programs that address mental health, the unhoused, early care and education, those impacted by the justice system, transitional age youth, as well as aging adults. Our programs combine the latest scientific research with cultural sensitivity and a deep commitment to supporting and reflecting the communities we serve. Felton offers a dynamic, challenging, and supportive work environment where we encourage the use of professional development, that staff can utilize throughout their career.

Division Description

Felton Institute’s Early Psychosis award winning program (re)MIND® (formerly PREP) was originally developed in partnership with the University of California San Francisco (UCSF). Felton’s (re)MIND® is an early psychosis coordinated specialty care model for early detection and treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders. (re)MIND® core evidence-based practices include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp), Strength-Based Care Management, Multi-family Group Therapy, Peer Support, Algorithm-Based Medication Management and Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported education and employment. The (re)MIND® model has two additional components, Felton BEAM and BEAM UP, for individuals diagnosed with bipolar or mood disorders with psychosis and for individuals at clinical high risk of developing psychosis, respectively. Funded through partnerships with county behavioral health departments, the Felton Early Psychosis Division operates outpatient coordinated specialty care for early psychosis programs in San Francisco, Alameda, San Mateo, and Marin, and offers excellent training and workforce development.

Job Description

The Family Support Specialist is a member of the treatment team with the role of partnering with families in the recovery process by engaging and building relationships through sharing their own personal lived experience of supporting a loved one with mental health issues. The Family Support Specialist assists family members in accessing community resources and networks of support, while providing a safe and supportive environment, adhering to laws regarding confidentiality and reporting requirements. The Family Support Specialist is expected to provide services out in the community, including but not limited to schools, job sites, family homes, or other community locations. This position reports directly to the Clinical Program Manager.

Specific Responsibilities

• Provide individual support to families to decrease barriers to treatment and help families in providing effective support to loved ones through increasing communication skills, building networks of support, and addressing grief, stigma, and hopelessness.
• Provide direct services, family psychoeducation, support, advocacy, and assess family strengths and needs.
• Assist staff with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to support participant treatment plans and family engagement.
• Lead/Co-lead and coordinate family support groups.
• Collaborate with staff in care coordination within the early psychosis team and with other treatment providers and community resources.
• Meet required number of direct service contact hours per week and document all participant contacts in compliance with mandated quality assurance standards.
• Meet all deadlines and comply with agency's requirements.
• Attend and contribute to staff meetings and team conferences, providing participant/family updates, discussing clinical issues, exchanging ideas, and voicing the family member perspective.
• Participate actively in supervision, coaching, staff meetings, team conferences, data collection and reporting, intake and discharge activities, and all agency meetings and trainings as assigned by the Clinical Program Manager.
• Coordinate orientations and graduations for participants and families.
• Engage in outreach events, including psycho-educational presentations, open houses, and provide information about early psychosis to other mental health providers and general public as needed.
• Availability to work some evenings and/or weekends with advance notice.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Personal experience as a caregiver of a youth/young adult with emotional or behavioral needs required.
• MediCal Peer Support Specialist Certification required.
• Peer Specialist Training program and/or WRAP facilitator training a plus.
• Personal experience of navigating psychiatric hospitalization, disability and/or public services with a loved one a plus.
• High School diploma AND a minimum of one year of experience working with those experiencing mental health issues and/or their families.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with and respect differences of opinion, beliefs, culture, appearances and ways of life.
• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and ability to type 45 WPM.
• Valid California Drivers’ License with an excellent driving record.
• Bilingual/Bicultural and fluent in Spanish or threshold Asian languages preferred. 

Competencies

• Knowledge of respective county behavioral health and school systems preferred.
• Knowledge of various cultural and spiritual understandings of psychosis a plus.
• Ability to perform some physical tasks, including assisting participants with public transportation, moving, cleaning, etc…
• Ability to establish trusting, hopeful relationships with participants and their families and collaborate effectively with community partners.
• Strong communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to prioritize tasks and manage time effectively.
• Openness to learning, immediately applying new information and modifying practices.
• Ability to be comfortable working in a variety of environments, including schools, job sites, family homes, and other community locations.
• Demonstrated experience as a team player with a welcoming attitude. 

Additional Information:

Reports to: Clinical Program Manager

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Onsite

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Salary Range: $35.00-$38.50 per hour

Benefits (subject to election and eligibility): Fully-Paid Medical and Dental Plans; Health Reimbursement Card, Paid Time Off (personal, vacation, and sick time), 403B with company match.

Applying Instruction:

Candidates should apply for the position at our career page “careers.felton.org” OR directly email resumes to “jobs@felton.org”.

IMP NOTE: Job responsibilities are subject to change according to program requirements.