A CAT Mentor provides mentoring and support for children and adolescents receiving mental health services. They assist families in navigating the mental health services system and in achieving resiliency and recovery as defined by the child and family. Mentors provide support services that are designed for the restoration; modification; and maintenance of social, personal adjustment, and basic living skills. These services are designed to assure that the recipient possesses the physical, emotional, and intellectual skills to live, learn, and work in their own environment. Respite services are provided when deemed necessary by the CAT Team.

General Expectations:

In the performance of their respective task and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:

1. Fully understand and consistently exhibit all of Peace River Center's Core Values, while fostering the same with all direct reports.
2. Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
3. Interact professionally with other employees, customer and vendors.
4. Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
5. Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.

Essential Duties/Requirements/Activities:

• Comply with all Center policies and procedures except those for which the employee gives notice of the need for reasonable accommodation and for which the Center can make such reasonable accommodation.
• Assist non-consumer staff in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery; lend unique insight into mental illness and what makes recovery possible.
• Attends all scheduled work hours, meeting, training, and other center functions as scheduled.
• Complete all daily progress notes in Credible, and assessments in a timely manner as mandated in the PRC policies and procedures.
• Participate in the completion of a comprehensive assessment of all CAT participants admitted to the program.
• Document person's progress to maintain a permanent record of person's activity according to established methods and procedures.
• Participate in daily staff organizational meetings and treatment planning review meetings.
• Provide transportation to participants for scheduled medical, dental, or other appointments as needed and determined to be in the best therapeutic interest of the participant as assigned.
• Assist and support CAT participants to carry out personal hygiene and grooming tasks.
• Help CAT participants to access reliable transportation (e.g., arrange for cabs, access bus line, apply for Handibus, etc.).
• Provide practical help and supports, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance, training, and supervision to help CAT participants obtain the necessities of daily living including medical and dental health care; legal and advocacy services; transportation; social-skill development; and assertiveness training to increase their social and interpersonal activities in community settings.
• Assist consumers in articulating personal goals for recovery and resiliency.
• Assist CAT participants in creating a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP).
• Utilize and teach problem solving techniques with individuals and groups.
• Teach CAT participants how to identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears.
• Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
• Inform CAT participants about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery and resiliency process.
• Assist CAT participants in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy and stigma-busting.

Qualifications:

Education:

High School Diploma or GED.

Experience:

Minimum of one year of experience working with children or adolescents with behavioral health needs This may include Internship and volunteer services. Must have knowledge and experience in using local community resources as referrals. Experience in basic child development Experience in family relations. Basic mental health knowledge.

Certifications:

Current Certified Behavioral Technician Certification from the State of Florida preferred, but not required.

Training:

Complete all PRC required trainings

Knowledge and Skills:

Strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in normal community settings; and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for person's rights and personal preferences in treatment.

Good written and verbal communication skills.

Safety Equipment

Universal Precautions

Comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations

Life Safety Equipment (fire extinguisher)

Transportation:

Must have a valid Florida driver's license and clean driving record.. Must carry and maintain $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury coverage on personal vehicle and provide proof of coverage

Machines, Tool and Equipment Used:

Computer, telephone, fax, copier

Technology Requirement:

As an employee of Peace River Center, if you are not assigned a company-issued phone, you will be required to authorize the use of the Microsoft Authenticator app on your personal mobile device. This is necessary to access our payroll and communication system, Paycor, and Microsoft email as examples. This will ensure secure and efficient communication with the organization.

Supervisory Relationship(s)

None

Work Environment:

Fast paced work environment. The populations cared for will include patients who are confused, delusional, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Must understand and accept the possibility of exposure to inside environmental conditions such as communicable diseases and physical/verbal abuse from an out of control patient/client.

Office Environment

Work will be performed in-home, in the office, in the community and outside of the office.

EEO Statement

One of the greatest assets of the PRC is the ethnic, cultural, and social diversity of its employees. PRC takes great pride in the diversity and values and respect of all its employees, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, age, disability, gender identification, or sexual orientation.