Parent Support Specialist-CAT

JOB SUMMARY:

To ensure that high quality therapeutic wraparound services are provided to youth, ages 11 – 21, and their families, in their homes and the community within an integrated service delivery approach that utilizes a team of mental health and medical professionals. The goal is to avoid out of home placements and improved client, family, and school outcomes.

MAIN JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides and co-facilitates group counseling with caregivers and clients within a team model.
• Communicates information of therapeutic relevance from group sessions to the primary CAT service providers.
• Serves as a peer mentor to caregivers enrolled with the CAT program, with the goal of motivating them towards successful program completion.

• Coordinates services and supports caregivers throughout time of service and when discharging family from the Community Action Team.

• Acts as a positive role model for client caregivers by modeling appropriate behaviors and demonstrating personal success. Provides a consistent message of encouragement and support.
• Acts as a liaison between the caregiver and child’s service provider and other professionals engaged in services and treatment.
• Acts as an advocate for the needs of the caregiver in relation to effective parenting of the CAT client.
• Maintains effective communication with the treatment team and family, assisting the team in meeting all treatment service goals.
• Maintains a working knowledge of the community mental health system and provides input as appropriate to its evolution.
• May participate in project evaluation and quality improvement activities.
• Develops and completes accurate documentation utilizing the mental health electronic record format to meet contract and Medicaid compliance standards within the required timeframe.
• Availability to work flexible hours that may include evenings and weekends.
• Have reliable transportation and ability to travel within Hillsborough County.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree, preferably in the social sciences, with one (1) year experience with working with parents of emotionally disturbed children and their families.
• Reliable transportation with liability insurance, a FL driver’s license and good driving record are also required.
• Ability to write reports, document mentoring services, and effectively communicate verbally with, provide information to, and respond to questions from managers, patients, service providers, managed care entities, family members, and other stakeholders.
• Preferably trained in wraparound, family systems, crisis intervention, teenager or young adult suicide prevention and trauma-informed care, or willingness to learn.
• Must be capable of lifting 50 pounds of dead weight alone. May be required to complete standing presentations.