Human Services Prog Consultant

Position Summary
This position will serve as a Family Peer Worker for the Early Psychosis Interventions of North Carolina ( EPI -NC) within the Department of Psychiatry at UNC . EPI -NC provides technical assistance clinical training quality improvement support and fidelity monitoring to First Episode Psychosis Coordinated Specialty Care ( FEP CSC ) programs across the state. EPI -NC also leads efforts to expand access to evidence-based education and support services for individuals experiencing early psychosis and their the coming year these initiatives will include the delivery of caregiver-focused supports including individual therapy for caregivers (Caring for the Carer) a mobile health tool (Bolster) and family support services. The Family Support Worker will play a vital role in providing support resources and connection for caregivers of young people with early psychosis. Drawing on their own lived experience as a caregiver the peer worker will offer empathy normalization and practical guidance to families navigating the challenges of early psychosis. This may include one-on-one conversations with caregivers co-facilitation of support groups and participation in outreach or psychoeducation events hosted by EPI -NC. The family workers will receive ongoing supervision by Dr. Kelsey Ludwig and Dr. David Penn as well as support from the CSC team. Additional responsibilities may include maintaining up-to-date knowledge of local services and supports collaborating with CSC teams across North Carolina and helping NC families navigate systems of care. The peer worker will participate in supervision individual or group meetings with team leads and documentation activities such as logging support contacts and contributing to family-centered materials or resource collaboration with EPI -NC leadership the Family Peer Worker may contribute insights to ongoing projects aimed at improving caregiver engagement reducing Duration of Untreated Psychosis ( DUP ) and enhancing continuity of care across the mental health system. While this is not a clinical or research role the Family Peer Workers unique perspective will be essential to shaping outreach strategies and informing service development. This is a part-time grant-funded position anticipated to continue for one year with the potential for extension based on funding availability and performance.

Required Qualifications Competencies And Experience
Bachelors degree; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions. Must be able to use considerable judgement and skills in performing work assignments. Strong written and verbal communication skills. Must be able to work and communicate with diverse populations effectively and professionally. Ability to work independently as well as function as part of a team. Competent using modern technology platforms such as Outlook and Zoom for communication and collaboration. A current drivers license is also required.

Preferred Qualifications Competencies And Experience
The ideal candidate will have lived experience supporting a loved one who experienced early psychosis and a passion for using that experience to help other families. Prior volunteer or professional experience providing peer support facilitating family education or engaging with mental health services is preferred. Candidates should demonstrate good judgment empathy and professionalism as well as excellent interpersonal skills. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively with individuals from diverse backgrounds including caregivers clinical providers and community partners is preferable. Comfort with boundary-setting confidentiality and navigating emotionally sensitive topics is also important. Attention to detail and organization for scheduling and implementing meetings with careers and team members Flexibility in schedule to accommodate occasional (1-2x per month) evening group meeting or outreach events.