Family Peer Support Specialist - Part Time

Are you seeking to grow your career and help our community?

Community Action is looking for a Family Peer Support Specialist to join our Head Start team. This individual will develop and implement use of “The Parent Place”. This position will help guide the creation of a welcoming space for peer-to-peer connection. The Parent Place will promote relationship-building among parents of Head Start enrolled children by providing a space and amenities just for them, as well as the opportunity to enjoy activities to which they may not otherwise have access. These offerings will enhance connection between parents through community and shared experiences. This position will work in partnership with families and the Head Start team to plan and implement both formal community based, and informal parent led engagement offerings in the parent place. This position will supervise parent volunteers and foster opportunities for parents to grow as leaders. This position will track usage and outcomes related to implementation of the parent place.

Starting Pay: $18.88/hour

The Role:

• Build rapport with peers, parents, guardians, family members, and children in a manner sensitive to the experiences, needs, and strengths of low-income and diverse populations and individuals with disabilities.
• Create a safe and welcoming space for parents to gather and connect.
• Empower families to advocate and grow as leaders both within the program and beyond.
• Help plan and facilitate regularly scheduled family activities, family involvement events, parent workshops or groups for the purpose of responding to families’ interests and/or needs.
• Learn about community resources and develop meaningful partnerships to connect families.
• Participate as a member of the interdisciplinary team communicating families’ progress and needs planning for services, and supporting the efforts and goals of all team members.
• Assist the site overall by providing support in a team based model to cover center responsibilities, on an as needed basis.
• Network with community partners to raise awareness of the program and the needs of the families in the program, including visiting with community partners and participating in outreach opportunities.
• Recruit and supervise parent volunteers within The Parent Place.
• Collaborate with Family and Community Partnerships Coordinator to build family attendance and track usage and outcomes related to the parent place.
• In partnership with the leadership team, fulfill reports and requirements associated with the grant project.
• Enter all data related to service provision into selected databases per program policies and procedures accurately and in a timely manner.
• Comply with all applicable childcare licensing requirements, specifically professional development and physical requirements.
• Attend all required program, division, agency and community meetings, trainings, and seminars.

Qualifications:

• One year experience working with families in a community-based, culturally and/or social economically diverse, family-centered program or equivalent life experiences. The ability to get credentialed as a Peer Support Specialist.
• A passion for bringing people together and building connections. Current or Previous experience as a Head Start parent or guardian preferred. Valid Nebraska Driver’s License, access to a reliable vehicle and good driving record required.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate English effectively, additional languages encouraged.
• Must support and demonstrate commitment to agency mission, vision, and values.
• Must be sensitive to the experiences, needs, and strengths of low-income and diverse populations, and individuals with disabilities.
• Must be a professional representative and advocate of our agency, staff, and clients.
• Sensitivity to the experiences, needs, and strengths of low-income and diverse populations, and individuals with disabilities.
• Effective English communication skills.
• Ability to work independently to achieve multiple set objectives concurrently under pressure.

Benefits & Perks:

• 401K with employer match.
• Education Assistance Program for continuing education.
• Qualifying employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program for federal student loans.
• Extensive opportunities for personal and professional development.
• Engaging work environment with friendly and supportive team members.
• Meaningful work that positively impacts our community.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please email hr@communityactionatwork.org and we will be happy to assist. All information provided will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Community Action Partnership of Lancaster and Saunders Counties is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression), national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, marital status, genetics, or any other status protected under federal and state law.

Salary : $19