Family Advocate

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.

$20.98 - $26.23 Hourly

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 ensures 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 

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