WISe Youth Partner

Description

JOB TITLE: WISe YOUTH PARTNER

DEPARTMENT: Wrap Around Intensive Services (WISe)

SUPERVISOR: WISe Manager

EXEMPT/NON-EXEMPT: Non-exempt

SUPERVISES: N/A

JOB SUMMARY:

The WISe Youth Partner supports youth and families that have serious emotional disturbance, in identifying goals that promote recovery and resiliency using the Wraparound process; improves the operations of WBH in support of its stated mission, and provides the highest level of customer service to internal and external customers; connects with youth, parents, and providers in advocating for children with complex behavioral and emotional challenges; provides peer support services with WISe team staff, and assists them in building a network of support; empowers families by assisting in skill-building and instilling hope. In addition, the WISe Youth Partner provides the following:

1. Assists with intensive care coordination services for WISe clients and families consisting of individual, group, family counseling, crisis intervention, and case management services.
2. Assists with Child and Family team (CFT) meetings to ensure access, voice, and choice within the wraparound process and to support the family’s connection to the CFT members. Support additional meetings as needed including GRBHO WISe Team and trainings, Individualized Education Plan (IEP) conferences, Pacific County Court proceedings and Family Team Decision Making (FTDM) meetings with Washington State Division of Child & Family Services (DCFS).
3. Assists with creating the Plan of Care for each family in WISe that describes the family, the team, and the work to be undertaken to meet the family’s needs. Ensure with the WISE Care Coordinator that the Plan of Care is updated after each CFT meeting and that the Team Goal is rated by all in attendance. Complete all action steps of the Youth Partner assigned during the CFT meetings.
4. Assists with completing a CANS screening and assessment on WISe referred children/youth. Assist with reassessing the child/youth using the CANS every three months. In conjunction with the WISe Coordinator use the CANS outcomes as part of the Plan of Care. Document client progress as a Youth Partner to maintain a permanent record of client activity according to established policies and procedures.
5. Completes all required progress notes according to WBH guidelines, policies and procedures regarding format, content, and timeliness. Ensure that progress notes accurately depict treatment modalities and interventions provided within the clinician’s scope of practice and according to the treatment plan.
6. Assists with providing and coordinating outreach and crisis intervention services, where applicable, to families in the community, and routinely identifies and evaluates physical risk factors for self and others while in potentially unsafe neighborhoods and homes.
7. Assists in developing and leading recreational activities for children and families such as spring and summer day camp, monthly family fun nights, and other activities as deemed appropriate to the children and families served on the team.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Follow Willapa Behavioral Health & Wellness Service Excellence Standards / Code of Ethics and Policies and Procedures.
2. Adhere to rules of confidentiality.
3. Respect and accommodate a diverse population.
4. Maintain appropriate boundaries with clients and staff.
5. Work on-site as necessary or remotely using telehealth technology as determined by management.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer to youth counselor, by encouraging them to regain hope in and control over their own lives and family environment. Promote self-determination, empowerment, personal responsibility for recovery and wellness and assist youth and parents/caregivers to advocate for themselves and their families. Provide information about wraparound services, process, and procedures including the Youth Peer role to assist them to successfully engage. Ensure collaborative and creative problem-solving to support clients in meeting their treatment goals.
2. Assist with developing a collaborative treatment plan, drawing on experiences to help peers find hope and make progress toward recovery.
3. Engage clients and team in treatment following WISe protocol with fidelity to model, focusing on life experience while providing support, encouragement, and resources to those with mental health challenges.
4. Complete all documentation using strengths-based language. Ensure all GRBHO and other local, state, and federal documentation requirements are completed routinely and in accordance with WBHW policies and procedures.
5. Collaborate with clinicians and teams to ensure provision of WISe Youth Partner services are rendered routinely.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. High school diploma or equivalent. Must be self-identified past consumer of mental health services and/or involvement with a mental health system. Working knowledge of community resources. Must be at least 21 years of age. Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and an acceptable motor vehicle report and reliable, insures transportation. Willingness for training and to share personal experiences.
2. Agency Affiliated Certification from Washington State.
3. Washington State Certified Peer with High School Diploma or equivalent that has experience with individuals of mental health and/or substance use disorder within 90 days.
4. WISe Training completed within 90 days.
5. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, computer proficiency to document in the electronic medical record (EMR) and utilize telehealth and Microsoft office suite.
6. Undergo and pass criminal background check upon initial employment and any subsequent checks required by the agency.
7. Meet requirements of agency’s drug free workplace policy.
8. Excellent customer service with a client focus.
9. Able to sit, stand and move for long hours at a time and lift up to 25 pounds.
10. A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
11. Able to drive in daylight, darkness, and typical Northwest weather conditions.
12. Flexible to fill-in shifts as needed.
13. Meet the current Washington health care vaccination requirements for health care workers.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

1. Experience working as a peer in behavioral health or substance abuse program.