Family Advocate

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Family Support Advocate is a key clinical role within the Family Services Program at Healing House, Inc. This position provides person-centered support and advocacy to individuals and their families who are participating in Healing House treatment programs, as well as to community members not currently receiving direct services. The Family Support Advocate plays a crucial role in fostering recovery, enhancing family engagement, and supporting the emotional, social, and clinical needs of families through direct care, group facilitation, crisis support, education, and community outreach.

General Responsibilities

Provide individualized support and advocacy to participants and their families.

Facilitate evidence-based family education workshops, open support groups, and peer-led discussions.

Deliver in-person and phone-based support, including resource navigation and crisis intervention.

Advocate for participants and families with internal staff and external community partners.

Collaborate within an interdisciplinary treatment team to support recovery-oriented care.

Participate in discharge planning with clinical teams.

Attend and support public and community education events on behalf of the Family Services Program.

Maintain professional boundaries and adhere to all clinical, ethical, and regulatory guidelines.

Complete timely, accurate documentation of all clinical and support interactions.

Conduct follow-ups and maintain consistent communication with families and support networks.

Participate in quarterly peer chart reviews and comply with all training and compliance requirements.

Key Duties & Standard Procedures 1. Individual and Family Support

Deliver recovery-focused, person-centered care.

Conduct one-on-one sessions with participants and / or their families.

2. Resource Coordination & Support Calls

Offer telephone and face-to-face support to families and participants.

Provide referrals and coordinate community resources as needed.

3. Group Facilitation

Plan, lead, and document family and peer support groups using evidence-based curricula.

Collaborate with interdisciplinary team members in a team-based group delivery model.

4. Family Education & Workshops

Prepare and facilitate or co-lead family workshops and support sessions.

Be accessible before and after sessions for informal support and engagement.

Assist in coordinating guest speakers and external facilitators.

5. Community Engagement & Public Relations

Represent Healing House, Inc. at public events and educational forums.

Build and maintain partnerships with local agencies and service providers.

6. Crisis Intervention

Provide immediate support during crises and refer to appropriate emergency or community resources.

Apply knowledge of crisis management techniques effectively and calmly.

7. Discharge Planning

Participate in collaborative planning for client discharges and transitions to other services.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Demonstrated ability to provide trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Proficiency in facilitating group discussions and workshops.

Ability to manage emotional situations with professionalism and empathy.

Knowledge of community resources and service coordination.

Familiarity with crisis intervention strategies.

Strong documentation and organizational skills.

Comfort with public speaking and community outreach.

Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Commitment to ethical conduct, boundaries, and confidentiality.

Physical Demands

• Physical Stamina : The role may require prolonged periods of sitting, standing, walking, and being actively engaged with patients and employees during work and employee interactions.
• Lifting and Carrying : There may be occasional requirements to lift or carry lightweight equipment or materials, such as tools or paperwork.
• Manual Dexterity : The position may involve tasks that require the use of hands and fingers, such as typing, writing, and handling materials.
• Visual and Auditory Acuity : The may need to closely observe patients and accurately interpret verbal and non-verbal cues during calls or interviews
• Mobility : The role may involve the ability to move freely within the facility to conduct interviews, attend meetings, and other office duties.
• Sensory Abilities : This position may require the ability to perceive and respond to environmental and situational factors that are relevant to patient interactions.