Family Peer

We are looking for a credentialed Family Peer to join our Schenectady Family Support program. The Family Peer provides an array of formal and informal services to families raising children who are experiencing social, emotional, developmental, substance abuse, and/or behavioral challenges in their home, school, placement, or community. Family Peers must have lived experience as a parent or primary caregiver of a child with serious emotional disturbance and have experience advocating for services in at least two service systems (mental health, education social services, juvenile justice).

Family Peer will provide individual and group support services to the parent or caregiver for the benefit of the child.  Services include the following:

• Outreach & Information
• Engagement, Bridging, and Transition Support
• Self-Advocacy, Self-Efficient, and Empowerment
• Parent Skill Development
• Community Connections and Natural Support
• Promoting Effective Family-Driven Practice

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (include the following. Other duties may be assigned.)

• Identify goals with the parent/guardian through the use of the Family Assessment of Needs and Strengths.
• Maintain case notes that outline activities to accomplish identified goal(s) and identify the amount of time each week that will be designated to work on goal(s).
• Conduct regular family support groups on various topics and/or resources for families.
• Provide information and parent-to-parent support to parents or caretakers.

• Educate family members on the family’s role in developing service plans and educate/empower them on how to advocate if services are not meeting their needs.
• Participate in trainings that support the role (i.e., PEP, etc.).

 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Must be a parent or caregiver of child with serious emotional disturbance and have experience advocating for services in at least two service systems (Mental Health, education social services, juvenile justice).
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid NYS driver’s license.
• Strong computer and writing skills essential.

CERTIFICATION / LICENSURE

A drivers license is required.

Credentialing as a Family Peer through Families Together, NY, is required.  Agency will support this process upon hire if candidate is not currently credentialed.

Posted On: January 2, 2024