A Recovery Advocate provides education and employment support and mentoring for adolescents and young adults who are within two years of experiencing the onset of non-affective psychosis. They assist participants and families in navigating the mental health services system and in achieving resiliency and recovery as defined by the participant and family. Recovery Advocates provide support services that are designed for the restoration; modification, and maintenance of social and personal adjustment related to education and employment under the clinical supervision of the program Team Leader. 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. The OnTrack Recovery Advocate will be trained in IPS employment services and will engage in job development, employment specialist services, and outreach according to the OnTrack and IPS models.

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.
• Attend all scheduled work hours, meetings, trainings, 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 participants admitted to the program.
• Engage participants in establishing trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of education or competitive employment in community job settings.
• Collaborate with other team members to deliver support within the context of the model (e.g., engaging with participants in activities, practicing cognitive or social skills that can then help them get a job, etc.).
• Document person's progress to maintain a permanent record of person's activity according to established methods and procedures.
• Participate in weekly staff organizational meetings and treatment planning review meetings.
• Based on the participant's preferences, work closely with family members or loved ones to educate them on how to support the young person with work/school goals.
• Help family or loved ones navigate employment and educational systems, identify resources that can be helpful to them, and/or provide other supports to families as needed to help the young person with their recovery.
• Provide job development and job search services directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on their situation and the situation of their support system, following the principles and procedures of the individual placement and support approach to supported employment.
• Conduct a minimum of six employer contacts per week.
• Provide support to the individual and the family for education goals in the community, including contact with staff at high schools, colleges and other educational institutions.
• Provide individualized support to assist participants in maintaining employment or education.

Qualifications:

Education:

Bachelor's degree in one of the core Behavioral Health Sciences or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Experience:

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.

Training:

Complete all PRC required training

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 reliable transportation.

Requires clean driving record. DMV checks will be performed on offer of employment.

Must have current Florida Driver's License and continue to maintain during employment.

Maintain current $25,000/$50,000 bodily insurance coverage on personal vehicle.

Must meet DOT driving requirements. Must be a minimum of 25 years of age to be a qualified driver.

Physical Requirements:

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:

The work environment is fast-paced and consists of exposure to physical conditions typical of a normal office environment. The populations cared for will include patients who are confused, delusional, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative. Most of the job is performed while sitting, although the work may require occasional standing or walking and/or the lifting and carrying of small objects. A small amount of travel may be required for meetings etc. to another PRC location.

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.