Family Engagement Associate

Job Details: Job Location: Mental Wellness Center

• SANTA BARBARA, CA, Position Type: Full Time, Education Level: 4 Year Degree, Salary Range: $29.00 - $40.00Hourly, Travel Percentage: Negligible, Job Shift: Day, Job Category: Nonprofit
• Social Services, ROLE SUMMARY The Family Engagement Associate serves as a liaison between families, individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI), community resources, and behavioral health services. This position provides family support, education, advocacy, resource navigation, outreach, and communication to care while promoting recovery, resilience, and whole-family wellness. The Family Engagement Associate works collaboratively with community partners and internal programs to help families navigate behavioral health systems and access appropriate services and supports. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required. Clinical supervision is available upon request. Family Support & Engagement Provide compassionate support, education, and resource navigation to families and individuals impacted by serious mental illness. Conduct individual, family, phone, virtual, and in-person support contacts. Assist families in understanding available behavioral health services, treatment options, and community resources Assessment, Resource Navigation, & Care Coordination Conduct screenings, assessments, and service triage to identify appropriate supports and referrals. Connect individuals and families to Mental Wellness Center programs, behavioral health services, and community resources. Assist individuals experiencing urgent needs by facilitating access to crisis services and higher levels of care when appropriate. Group Facilitation & Public Education Facilitate support groups, educational workshops, presentations, and other family engagement activities. Deliver presentations and educational programming to community members, families, and partner organizations. Promote mental health awareness, family engagement, and recovery-oriented practices through outreach and education. Advocacy & Community Outreach Advocate for individuals, families, and caregivers by helping them navigate behavioral health systems, access services, understand available resources, and address barriers to care. Conduct outreach activities and participate in community events to increase awareness of available services.

Qualifications

Education

& Experience Master's degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, or related behavioral health field. Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency, including the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, is required. Minimum three (3) years of professional experience in behavioral health, social services, family support, community outreach, or related human services field.

Experience supporting individuals and families impacted by mental health challenges. Personal lived experience as an individual and/or as a family member, caregiver, or significant support person of someone living with a severe mental health disorder, with a willingness to share your experience navigating the mental health system.

Experience facilitating groups, workshops, presentations, or community education activities. Licenses & Certifications Active California licensure or registration as an LMFT, LCSW, LPCC, Psychologist, Associate, or other qualifying behavioral health credential, or actively pursuing licensure. Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record consistent with MWC’s policy and insurance requirements if driving is required.