Parent Peer Specialist - Dane County

Wisconsin Family Ties is the only statewide, parent-run non-profit organization in Wisconsin working with families that include children with social, emotional 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 to support parents and their children in Dane County. Use your own life experience as a parent of a child with social, emotional, or behavioral challenges to assist other families like yours. This is a unique opportunity to join the growing peer support profession.  

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:  

• 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.  

• Residence in or around the county/area being served. 

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

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

• Must have a laptop or device to use through the first week of training. A laptop, phone number, and office supplies are issued after one week of successful employment. 

•  Experience navigating service systems to obtain services for your child. Service systems include mental health, public education, child welfare, substance use treatment, juvenile/family court, and youth justice.  

• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 products along with a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new software. 

• Ability to attend required weekly/monthly meetings. 

• Ability to set regular office hours weekly, with some flexibility. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Relevant 4-year degree. 

• Priority will be given to candidates who are bilingual in Spanish and English. 

• Knowledge of wraparound principles and processes. 

• Knowledge of special education processes and requirements. 

• 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 also have access to an Employee Assistance Wellness Program. After three months of employment, you 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.  

• Starting wage is dependent upon level of education and relevance of degree(s).  

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

Salary : $19 - $22