Family Peer Support Specialist

Description

Are you a parent or caregiver with lived experience navigating the mental health system for your child or loved one? Your journey can help others. We’re looking for a compassionate, dedicated Family Peer Support Specialist to empower and support families in the Machias community.

About the Role:
The Family Peer Support Specialist is a vital member of the Children’s Behavioral Health Home team who provides compassionate, peer-based support to families and caregivers of individuals experiencing behavioral health challenges. Drawing on their own lived experience, the Family Peer Support Specialist helps families navigate complex healthcare systems, access critical resources, and develop the skills and confidence needed to advocate for their loved one's well-being. This role emphasizes emotional support, empowerment, and education, offering families guidance through difficult situations while fostering hope and resilience. The Family Peer Support Specialist works to ensure that families are actively involved in the recovery process and feel supported in their caregiving roles. 

What You’ll Do:

• Provide emotional support, information, and resources to families
   
• Help parents navigate the mental health, education, and social service systems
   
• Facilitate family-centered meetings and peer groups
   
• Advocate for families and promote self-advocacy
   
• Collaborate with schools, providers, and community partners
   

What We’re Looking For:

• Lived experience as a parent or primary caregiver of a child with emotional, behavioral, or developmental challenges
   
• Willingness to share your story to support others
   
• Strong communication and listening skills
   
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
   
• Reliable transportation and flexibility for local travel
   

Preferred (but not required):

• Prior experience in peer support, advocacy, or community work
   
• Certification as a Family Peer Support Specialist (training available if not yet certified)
   

We Offer:

• Paid training and professional development
   
• Supportive, inclusive work culture
   
• Flexible hours and meaningful work
   
• The chance to truly make a difference in the lives of families
   

Apply Now
Help us build a stronger, more compassionate support system for families in Washington County.

Requirements

  · This position requires a High School Diploma or its equivalent. 

· Applicant must have a minimum of 3 years of lived experience in parenting or in a parenting role (meaning biological parent, caregiver, foster parent, or grandparent) with at least one child/youth who lived with the applicant for 3 or more years who is receiving or has received services and support related to the diagnosis of a mental illness, and who is willing to self-identify.

Must be willing to complete the designated Maine Office of Child and Family Services (OCFS) curriculum for peer support within 9 months from the hire date and maintain that certification for the duration of employment.