Parent Peer Specialist - Family & Community Programs

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Parent Peer Specialist - Family and Community Programs 

Seeking a parent/caregiver who has lived mental health experience and raising a child(ren) or have raised a child(ren). This role is designed to provide parents/caregivers with support from someone who understands the systems, advocacy, and day-to-day realities of balancing living with mental health while parenting. This person will use their lived experience to support and guide families currently raising children with similar needs.

Family and Community Programs (FCP) provides in home support to children, ages 4-18+, with mental health diagnoses and their families. FCP delivers family-focused mental health services in home and community settings. FCP uses a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach with a goal of stabilizing families and improving overall family functioning and well-being.   

Responsibilities:

• Provide one-to-one peer supports to parents/caregivers living with a mental health diagnosis and parenting


• Empower parents/caregivers to make informed decisions regarding the nature of supports for themselves and their child(ren) and families.


• Provide emotional support to parents/caregivers on their parenting journey to reduce isolation, feelings of stigma, blame, and hopelessness.


• Help parents/caregivers to discover and connect to natural supports already present in their lives.


• Provide information, referral and telephone support services to parents.


• Promote continuity of engagement and supports as needs and services change for parent/caregiver.


• Support parent/caregiver to advocate on behalf of themselves to promote shared decision-making.


• Assist with preparation for parent groups and support parents/caregivers in a group setting


• Complete agency and program documentation.

Requirements:

• Lived experience being a parent/caregiver with a mental health diagnosis while parenting or having parented a child(ren).


• Ability to relate to parents/caregivers in the basis of shared living experiences


• Understanding of Department of Children and Families system


• Availability to work some evenings


• Valid driver's license and use of a personal vehicle


• High School Diploma or GED


• Peer Certification or commitment to start Peer Services Training and accumulate Peer Specialist Certification hours within one year of date of hire

Structure:

• 30 hours a week


• Non-exempt


• AFSCME Union (dues will apply) 


• Starting at $21.56/hr


• We offer a competitive salary commensurate to experience 

Benefits:

• Generous time off starting at 36 days of combined time off per year for full-time employees (and increasing with years of service); pro-rated for positions 16 hours or more


• Employee Assistance Program


• Employee referral program with financial payment


• Discounted online undergraduate/graduate courses through Champlain College truED


• Retirement through 401(k)


• Award-winning workplace wellness program including physical fitness groups for staff, financial wellness incentives, and ongoing workplace wellness advocacy and education


• Voluntary benefits from local/international businesses: discounted gym memberships, mobile phone service, ski/snowboard passes, auto/home insurance, and more!


• Employee referral, subject to Howard Center policy.

Our Values: Clients are at the heart of our decision making. We are committed to individual and collective well-being and success. We are responsible stewards of the resources entrusted to us. We are steadfast in our practice and pursuit of excellence.

Howard Center is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. The agency's culture and service delivery is strengthened by the diversity of its workforce. Minorities, people of color, LGBTQIA+ and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. EOE/TTY. Visit "About Us" to review Howard Center's EOE policy.