Parent Peer Specialist-Manitowoc County

Wisconsin Family Ties is the only statewide, parent-run non-profit organization in Wisconsin that supports families with children dealing with social, emotional and/or behavioral challenges. With over 30 years of experience, we walk beside families to provide emotional support while helping to navigate the complex service and treatment systems with which they are involved.  

We are seeking a passionate, persistent individual with lived experience to support parents and their children in Manitowoc County. This is a unique career opportunity for someone that is looking to join the growing peer support profession. The position offers flexibility along with the chance to use your experience as a parent of a child with social, emotional, or behavioral challenges to make a tremendous impact in your community. If you're someone who has navigated being a parent of a child with these challenges and you're looking for a way to support families like yours, we want to hear from you! 

Position Description   

You will use your lived experiences to offer empathetic, comprehensive, and insightful support. You will use your personal understanding to provide unique, compassionate guidance to families facing similar struggles. You will be bridging service gaps, empowering families, and fostering effective collaboration with service providers. Work hours for this position are somewhat flexible within a standard work week; occasional weekend work may be required.  

Position Requirements:   

• Candidate must have experience as a parent or primary caregiver involved in the day-to-day care of a child or adolescent with social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. No exceptions to this requirement will be considered.   

• Candidate must be a resident in or around the county/area being served.  

• Candidate must have a valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle.  

• Candidate must have access to a private workspace, a smart phone, a reliable internet connection, and the ability to join meetings or engage in confidential, sensitive conversations without interruption.  

• Candidate must have a laptop or device to use through the first week of training and orientation. A laptop, phone number, and office supplies are issued by Wisconsin Family Ties after one week of successful employment.  

• Candidate must have experience navigating service systems to obtain support for a child. Examples of these service systems include mental health, public education, child welfare, substance use treatment, juvenile/family court, and youth justice.   

• Candidate must have proficiency in Microsoft 365 products along with a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new software.  

• Candidate must have the ability to attend required weekly/monthly virtual meetings.  

• Candidate must have the ability to set regular office hours weekly, with some flexibility.  

Preferred Qualifications:  

• A relevant 4-year degree.  

• An ability to fluently speak Spanish is a benefit. 

• A working knowledge of wraparound principles and processes.  

• A working knowledge of special education processes and requirements.  

• A working knowledge of resources and services available in your local area/region.  

Other Important Information:

• This position will initially be part-time, but it has the potential to grow into a full-time role. Once you achieve full-time status, you will be eligible for health insurance benefits and paid time off. All employees, part-time and full-time, have access to an Employee Assistance Wellness Program. After three months of employment, all employees will have the option to participate in a 401(k) plan.  

• You will work from your home and travel locally to meet with families at locations convenient for them (mileage will be reimbursed). We also provide our services by video teleconferencing.   

• The starting wage for this position is dependent upon the highest level of relevant education completed.   

• Candidates must be able to provide at least two references from previous employers or an attended educational institution and be able to pass a caregiver background check. 

Salary : $19 - $22