THE PROGRAM
The Family Education and Resource Center (‘FERC’) is a new and innovative family/caregiver-centered program that provides information, education, and support services to family/caregivers of children, adolescents, transitional age youth, adults, and older adults with serious emotional disturbance or mental illness living in all regions of Alameda County. These services are provided in a culturally competent manner, reaching out to people of various ethnicities and language groups. The FERC is a component of Alameda County’s Community Services & Support plan, funded with Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) dollars and operated by the Mental Health Association of Alameda County (MHAAC) under contract with Alameda County Behavioral Health Care Services.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Under the supervision and guidance of the Lead Family Advocate, Family Advocates’ duties may include, but are not limited to the following:
* Assist family members / caregivers in navigating the complex mental health system of care in Alameda County
* Support family members/caregivers by phone or by in-person consultation
* Provide a full range of information, support, encouragement, advocacy, and referral to appropriate community resources, and related services in order to assist the family/caregiver in coping effectively with immediate and/or long-term situations.
* Attend, facilitate and/or support family/caregivers ‘ self-help groups, existing family support groups and family peer support efforts.
* Document key components of calls and activities (database, logbooks, etc)
* Actively participate in liaison role with key partners such as NAMI affiliates (attend meetings, coordinate trainings, etc)
* Active involvement in community outreach (e.g. table at health faires, schools, and other public venues, etc)
QUALIFYING EXPERIENCE:
Current or previous experience as a family member/caregiver responsible for, or closely involved in the treatment of, an individual having an emotional disturbance or mental illness (child or adult), whether biologically related or not.
Personal Knowledge/experience of:
* The family/caregiver experience.
* The issues associated with having a family member with a serious emotional disturbance or mental illness as well as the physical,
psychological, and emotional stressors which often accompany this experience
* Advocating on behalf of a family member (child or adult) to obtain services and/or assistance.
Desirable or Highly Desirable (but not required) Qualifications:
* Familiarity with the mental health service system in Alameda County (highly desirable);.
* Direct/personal experience navigating the mental health system as the family/caregiver of a child, adolescent, young adult, adult, or older adult.
* Bilingual and/or bicultural (highly desirable); reflecting the communities we serve.
* Familiarity with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (‘NAMI’) and/or CA United Advocates for Children and Families.
* Graduate and/or trainer of the NAMI Family to Family Education Program or other NAMI signature educational and/or support program or the United Advocates for Children’s EES Training.
Other Requirements:
Must have a motor vehicle available for daily use, possess a valid California drivers license, carry vehicle liability insurance with at least $100,000/$300,000 limits, and have an acceptable motor vehicle report, as determined by MHAAC’s insurance broker.
HOURS OF WORK: This is a full-time position. M-F 9-5. Some evenings and weekends.
WORK LOCATION: Alameda County. Exact office location - to be determined; FERC Main office is in Oakland, and satellite offices are in Oakland, Livermore, Hayward and Fremont
SALARY: $3,485 per month (DOE). Employee benefits include vacation and sick leave and employer-paid health/dental insurance.
TO APPLY: Secure an application by downloading it from the FERC website at www.askferc.org (click on ‘Employment Opportunities’), or by calling the FERC at (510) 746-1700 or by picking it up at the FERC main office located at 7200 Bancroft Ave., Suite 269, Oakland, 94605. Office hours are Monday thru Friday 9am-5pm. Fax to 510-746-1701 Please be sure to provide a fully completed application; resume is desirable.
DEADLINE: Applications will be accepted until the positions are filled.
- Compensation: Salary: $3,485.52 per month (DOE). Employee benefits include vacation and sick leave and employer-paid health/dental insurance.
- This is at a non-profit organization.
- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
- Phone calls about this job are ok.
- Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.