Job Title: Family Advocate Associate
Classification: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Location: Mental Wellness Center
617 Garden Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Reports To: Assistant Director of Wellness & Recovery
ROLE SUMMARY
As a Family Advocate Professional at Mental Wellness Center, you will be a vital link between families, individuals living with Serious Mental Illness (SMI), and community resources. Your role involves providing compassionate support, education, and advocacy to families, empowering them to navigate the mental health system and fostering whole family recovery. A day in the life of this position includes conducting outreach, facilitating support groups, and collaborating with other providers to promote the well-being of families and individuals living with SMI. You will also meet one-on-one in person or on the phone with families and listen to their testimonials while providing a non-judgmental and supportive ear as well as following up to check-in into the future.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Offer compassionate support to families and individuals seeking information regarding Serious Mental Illness (SMI).
- Act as the liaison between Mental Wellness Center and NAMI ( National Alliance of Mental Illness).
- Conduct outreach to families and clients, providing support, education, and linkage to care.
- Lead support groups for family members and clients, both in person and through virtual platforms.
- Advocate for family members and clients within the local Mental Health System, providing information about legal and procedural processes in the mental health system.
- Inform family members and clients about various service options at the Fellowship Club and assist in locating community resources.
- Represent family member issues to mental health managers of outside community-based organizations/agencies, supervisors, and staff to enhance awareness and sensitivity regarding family concerns.
- Support and assist family members in developing skills to care for and advocate for family members receiving services.
- Maintain data and program outcomes, tracking program goals and ensuring program effectiveness.
- Assist family members and clients with navigating mental health related resources, including completing referral and paperwork.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Personal lived experience as a caregiving family member of a person living with a serious mental health disorder, with a willingness to share your experience navigating the mental health system
- Relevant education and professional experience equivalent to an undergraduate degree in mental health or social services.
- Awareness of local Mental Health resources and programs.
- Bilingual Literacy in Spanish and English is preferred.
SALARY
Starting at $25.00/ hour
BENEFITS
100% Paid Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance
Supplemental Insurance
Discounted Pet Insurance
80 Hours/Year Vacation
10 Observed Holidays
401(k) Plan
401(k) Employer Match
PERKS
$250/pay period when employee shows proof of own health insurance coverage and waives the medical benefit at MWC.
$55 if an employee is required to use a personal cell phone for organization business.
ABOUT US
The Mental Wellness Center is a leading organization dedicated to enhancing the mental well-being of individuals in our community. Our long-standing values of hope, inclusivity, collaboration, and connection to care drive our mission to advance mental wellness in Santa Barbara by providing youth programming, early intervention, safe and affordable housing, education, and resources for mental health challenges.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
MWC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
JOIN US
Submit cover letter and resume via Indeed or email to mwcjobs @mentalwellnesscenter.org.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.00 - $31.30 per hour
Expected hours: No more than 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid sick time
- Paid time off
- Referral program
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Evening shift
- Holidays
- Weekends as needed
Application Question(s):
- Do you have experience working with families?
Education:
Language:
Work Location: In person