Parent Peer Support Specialist

The Parent Peer Support Specialist is responsible for providing peer support services to parents and families that contain a youth at risk for out-of-home placement. Services are primarily community-based, and youth in participating families are involved in multiple child-serving systems (e.g., child welfare, special education and/or juvenile justice.) The Parent Peer Support Specialist position involves: 1) Using one’s lived experience as a parent or caregiver of a child with behavioral health challenges to support other families and advocate with them for what they want for their children; 2) Providing training to families and other partners; 3) Conducting outreach in the community, 4) Gathering information about unmet needs in community systems, and 5) Engaging families in system-level advocacy and leadership. The Parent Peer Support Specialist also works with the Wraparound Team as facilitated by the Wrap Facilitator to implement the Individualized Service Plan for each identified youth/family through offering options for additional services, education, and support.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Can articulate the mission, vision and values of Choices, and the practice of high-quality peer support services compliant with Medicaid regulations for enrolled individuals.
• Participates as an active team member in the Wraparound process for each family enrolled in Wraparound that would benefit from Parent Peer Support Specialist involvement.
• Supports families in exercising their Freedom of Choice regarding their providers and supports and empowers them to take the lead in all decisions regarding their care.
• Maintains a flexible, non-traditional schedule including evenings and weekends in order to provide services to families based upon their availability.
• Communicates in a timely manner with the Clinical Supervisor, Wrap Facilitator, and other members of the clinical team to coordinate services to youth and families.
• Willingly completes other duties as assigned to advance the mission of Choices.
  
  

Qualifications

• Must possess at least a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) equivalent.
• Must self-identify as a parent, foster parent, or caregiver (person responsible for primary childcare needs) of a child or adolescent with behavioral health challenges and have experience accessing resources and navigating barriers. Participation as a family member in the Wraparound process is a plus.
• Must successfully complete the DMH approved Certified Peer Support Specialist training and certification exam within 3 months of hire.
• Maintains active certification, as applicable, through the MS Department of Mental Health.
• Demonstrates capacity to carry out assignments and tasks with minimal supervision.
• Strong communication and effective writing skills. Bi-lingual skills (Spanish) a plus.
• Highly organized, and effectively manages multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated professionalism working in teams with internal colleagues and external audiences both in person and through various electronic media.
• Enthusiastic about advancing system change within the community.
• Ability to use electronic means of communication and documentation effectively. Must be able to access wi-fi when working remotely.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license in state of residence and auto insurance.
  
  

Hourly $15/hour, Part time or Full Time

Benefits Include

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Employer Paid Life Insurance, Short & Long Term Disability
• 401k Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Generous PTO plan