Family Support Navigator

Company Description:

RiverValley Behavioral Health is a leading provider of substance use disorder treatment and recovery services, dedicated to supporting individuals and families on their journey to wellness. We are committed to offering comprehensive, evidence-based care that empowers individuals and their loved ones to achieve lasting recovery. We are currently seeking a compassionate and focused Family Support Navigator to join our team and provide invaluable support to families affected by substance use disorders.

Position Summary:

The Family Peer Support Specialist plays a pivotal role in our substance use disorder treatment program, offering guidance, education, and empathy to families navigating the challenges of addiction. This position involves providing support to families as they cope with the impact of substance use on their loved ones and themselves. The Family Peer Support Specialist serves as a role model of recovery and facilitates connections to resources, information, and community services that promote healing and resilience.

Key Responsibilities:

Plays an important role in providing one-on-one and group support to families affected by substance use disorders, offering a listening ear, empathy, and understanding.

Helps the project team pinpoint and address Social Determinants of Health impacting families affected by substance use disorders and mental health issues.

Educate families about addiction, recovery, and the treatment process, empowering them to become advocates for their loved ones.

Facilitate family support groups and workshops to address topics Mental Health First Aid, parenting, communication skills, setting boundaries, and self-care.

Collaborate with the treatment team to develop individualized family support plans that align with the client's treatment goals.

Advocate for the needs of families within the treatment program and in the community (internal and external stakeholders), helping to reduce stigma and increase access to resources.

Schedules home visits and assists families in navigating the healthcare system, insurance, and other social services to ensure they receive comprehensive support.

Maintains accurate and confidential documentation of interactions with families and progress towards goals.

Serves as a liaison between families and treatment providers and/or support services, promoting open communication and understanding.

Participates in team meetings, case conferences, and trainings to enhance knowledge and skills in supporting families.

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent required; bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology or human services-related field of study preferred. Experience will substitute for college degree.

Currently certified as an Adult or Family Peer Support Specialist or a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC) or willingness to obtain one or more of these certifications within a specified period.

Has lived experience as a family member of an individual with a substance use disorder, with at least two years in sustained recovery.

Knowledge of substance use disorder treatment modalities, recovery principles, and family dynamics.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with families.

Strong organizational skills and ability to work independently and as part of a larger team.

Comfortable presenting information in front of groups of 20.

Empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude towards individuals and families seeking support.

Familiarity with holistic treatment approaches, harm reduction and abstinence models, community resources and social services for families.

Possess a current driver's license in good standing and maintain own reliable transportation.

Ability to travel in the seven-county region.