We are seeking an experienced and empathic Family Partner to join our team at the Massachusetts Psychosis Access and Triage Hub (M-PATH) program at the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful system change and improvement of the experiences of families and individuals facing mental health challenges. Under the supervision of the Program Director, the Family Partner applies lived experience as a parent/caregiver of a child or youth with mental health needs to coach and assist parents/caregivers in understanding the experiences of their loved one and developing the skills needed to best support them in seeking care. The Family Partner may also coach and assist community-based providers on identifying and navigating service systems for youth and families, as well as providing a family member's perspective on mental health treatment.
We are actively interested in ensuring that the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health represents a range of experiences and backgrounds. Qualified candidates with diverse racial, cultural, multilingual, religious, class, and/or gender background and experiences are strongly encouraged to apply.
Program Description:
Early intervention leads to improved outcomes for young people experiencing the onset of psychotic symptoms. Here in Massachusetts, seventeen programs provide evidence-based coordinated specialty care to those in clinical high-risk or first episode phase of illness -- offering hope to the 1500 young people and their families who develop symptoms of psychosis each year. But only a fraction of young people and their families with early psychosis actually find their way to services -- leading to needless delays in diagnosis and treatment.
With the support of the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, the Brookline Center for Community Mental Health has built a triage and navigation resource hub that will rapidly connect young people and families across Massachusetts who are experiencing symptoms of psychosis with the help they need when they need it. This program, the Massachusetts Psychosis Assessment and Triage Hub (M-PATH) is staffed by knowledgeable clinicians and care coordinators who engage youth and families, assess clinical need and urgency, and guide youth and families to the appropriate resources -- through a combination of consultation, support, facilitated referrals, and care coordination. Collaborative arrangements with Clinical High Risk and First Episode Psychosis programs across the state help to facilitate the referral process, minimizing burden on families and referring providers and ensuring that engagement happens quickly and effectively.
Responsibilities:
Works one-on-one with families and youth/young adults and maintains regular frequent contact with the parent(s)/caregiver(s) in order to provide education and support throughout the care planning process.
Guides, supports, and assists parents/caregivers to effectively navigate service systems that serve youth/young adults and families; and finds, accesses, and utilizes formal and informal community-based services, supports, and resources.
Models for and coaches parents/caregivers to lead and coordinate their youth or young adult's care; problem-solve and advocate for themselves and their youth; and effectively partner with service providers, schools and other family-serving systems in multiple settings involved in the care of their youth.
Co-lead parent support groups.
Collaborates and consults with medical and mental health providers in the community to provide additional information and perspectives on family experiences of the mental health system.
Presents cases to team and consults with supervisor and team members on challenging and difficult client/family issues. Participates in regular individual supervision.
Documents activities as required.
Participates in program activities, including but not limited to, staff and team meetings, training and development needs of the program.
Participates in local and statewide presentations on psychosis and the M-PATH program.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, and we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply. At the Brookline Center, we value collaboration, ongoing learning, and a shared commitment to providing exceptional mental health care services to our community.
Position Qualifications:
Lived experience as a caregiver of a youth or young adult with mental health challenges.
Program-specific experience preferred.
Excellent cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Computer literate including Microsoft Office with the ability to learn new software applications.
Knowledge of a second language, such as Spanish or Haitian Creole, desired.
General Qualifications
Enjoys and works effectively in culture of collaboration, ongoing change, commitment to racial equity,diversity and inclusion.
Ability to manage multiple and competing demands on a dailybasis.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Hours: 25 hours/week, flexible, but available to attend weekly program meetings as needed. Most work will be remote but should be available for occasional in-person meetings at The Brookline Center.
Benefits: The Brookline Center offers a supportive, mission-focused work environment; professional growth opportunities; competitive salaries; and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending accounts, retirement plan, disability and life insurance, and generous paid time off.
Organizational Description:
The Brookline Center for Community Mental Health is a leading provider of mental health care and social services for adults and children in the Greater Boston area. We are dedicated to expanding access to high-quality, affordable outpatient care and addressing the increasing mental health needs in our community, which have been further exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic.
In addition to our outpatient services, the Brookline Center is known for its commitment to innovation and collaboration. We have established strong partnerships with schools, community agencies, and healthcare providers, both locally and statewide, to develop and implement nationally recognized, innovative mental health programs. These programs aim to improve access to care, enhance outcomes, and promote overall well-being.
As part of our strategic growth plan, the Brookline Center is actively responding to the crisis in mental health care access. We are focused on expanding our reach and impact in the coming years by developing and implementing new initiatives that address the evolving needs of individuals and families in our community.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The Brookline Center is an equal opportunity employer, committed to workplace diversity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.