The Member Inclusion and Outreach Specialist performs professional advocacy work for members and family members.  The work will primarily serve to provide direct empowerment and support of members and their families who require the services and supports of the public system for Mental Health, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, TBI, or substance use disorders.  In meetings and public outreach, this position will represent the perspective of families and members who utilize mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, TBI, and substance use disorder services. This position will provide direct and personal outreach to members and families through education, training, resource identification and support through systems navigation to improve access to care, health outcomes, and quality of life.

This position will allow the successful candidate to work hybrid schedule. At minimum, one day a week working onsite is required. This position will require travel around the community of Mecklenburg County and other counties Alliance serves.

Responsibilities & Duties

Member and Family Advocacy

Increase member access to DSS, Ombudsman, and the Enrollment Broker to successfully resolve challenges and barriers in having members’ needs met Advocate within the catchment area through local organizations Participate in meetings to bring the needs of members to the attention of Director of Community and Member Engagement, the Member Engagement Manager, the organization, and community stakeholders regarding problems with access to or delivery of appropriate care

Targeted Member Education and Outreach

Identify and provide targeted member outreach within local communities to help reduce barriers, improve health outcomes, improve access to health care, and address unmet social resource needs Assist in coordination and planning and provide targeted member education activities within local communities, with a strong focus on preventive healthcare and wellness

Member and Family Assistance

Serve as a resource for educational opportunities, empowerment and satisfaction, and quality of life issues for individuals and family members/ guardians Provide consultation and guidance to individuals and family members/guardians in the interpretation of policy, regulations, services, rights, responsibilities, and other general information through general community contacts and in response to family inquiries for assistance Collaborate with Care Coordinators and Care Teams to maximize member’s quality of life and health outcomes

Information Development & Dissemination

Assist in the development of educational materials and training processes as identified  Serve as the primary liaison to local Consumer/Family Advisory Committee (CFAC) and help to coordinate and arrange local CFAC meetings Support functions of CFAC which includes maintaining and understanding current bylaws, general statutes, charters, goals, etc. in order to ensure accordance to contracting and best practice Provide technical support for Advisory Committees or other committees identified Attend meetings and trainings to acquire updated and relevant information that impacts individual, and families’ needs and quality of life   Maintain knowledge and provide current information and consultation of information within the community and to committees and teams on Best Practices, Evidence Based Practices, laws, regulations, policies, special legislation, new resources/supports, and/or learning opportunities that impacts individuals and family members

Quality of Life Measurement

Measure the impact services and supports have on the quality of life for members and families served through various surveys and programs (i.e. My Individual Experience, etc.)

Community Inclusion Planning Meetings

Provide peer to peer support, accompaniment, and follow up for members and recipients identified through targeted populations (i.e. high-risk transitional care, PRTF’s, etc.) 

 Maintain Documentation

Complete and maintain documentation as required Ensure timely documentation as required by department policy and procedures

Minimum Requirements

Education & Experience

Required:

Graduation from High School or equivalent and two years of experience with the population served; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

The employee must be an openly declared individual or family member (past or present) engaged in mental health, developmental disabilities, traumatic brain injury, or substance use disorder services.

Preferred:

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field preferred.

Certified Peer Support Specialist or Family Peer Support certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

Thorough knowledge and understanding of Alliance business Considerable knowledge of community resources and services available to Alliance Members Knowledge of cultural awareness and differences, and the ability to work with/or serve a diverse population Highly effective Communication skills Excellent interpersonal skills Problem solving and conflict resolution skills High level of diplomacy and discretion Ability to make prompt independent decisions based upon relevant facts Ability to establish and maintain favorable working relationships with members, families, stakeholders, and Alliance employees is necessary Ability to lead meetings and trainings effectively Public speaking

Salary Range

$22.23 - $28.90/Hourly

Exact compensation will be determined based on the candidate's education, experience, external market data and consideration of internal equity. 

An excellent fringe benefit package accompanies the salary, which includes:  

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Long Term Disability Generous retirement savings plan Flexible work schedules including hybrid/remote options Paid time off including vacation, sick leave, holiday, management leave Dress flexibility