Family Support Team PEER Parent Specialist

FST Peer Parent Specialist

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES
The FST Peer Parent Specialist serves as a liaison between children/youth peers (if assigned), their parents/caregivers, and the behavioral health system. This role provides direct support to families as they engage with schools, law enforcement, medical providers, and other systems. The goal of the program is to promote early identification, prevention, and appropriate treatment while avoiding restrictive, long-term, and costly interventions.

The Peer Parent Specialist will:

• Listen to families’ needs and provide peer support
• Assist families in navigating systems of care
• Focus on family strengths to overcome challenges
• Promote Family/Youth Voice and Choice
• Connect families to community resources
• Support skill-building that fosters resilience and recovery
• Identify system barriers and advocate for family needs
• Collaborate with members of the High-Fidelity Wraparound Team

REPORTS TO
Family Support Team Clinical Supervisor

STATUS
Full Time, Non-Exempt

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma/GED
• Lived experience navigating systems as a parent/caregiver of a child who has experienced mental/behavioral health challenges
• Willingness to receive Recovery Peer Specialist certification within one year of hire
• Basic to intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office products
• Reliability and willingness to learn
• Ability to accept further training if desired
• Ability to utilize de-escalation skills and provide a calm, nurturing environment that fosters cooperation and teamwork
• Valid Florida Driver’s License/State Identification
• Strong foundation in trauma-informed care with a focus on the whole family system
• Flexible schedule to accommodate families’ needs

PRINCIPLE DUTIES
The Family Support Team (FST) model provides family-centered services that combine traditional services with warm handoffs, exploration of natural supports, and development of family protective capacities.

• Provide trauma-informed, culturally aware, multigenerational support to families
• Work collaboratively with families to explore strengths and challenges, and identify both clinical and non-clinical supports (e.g., coaching in parenting strategies, balancing everyday stressors such as work, finances, legal concerns, and healthcare)
• Follow the High-Fidelity Wraparound model to fidelity
• Serve as a primary point of contact for parents/caregivers
• Make initial contact with families to gather information for program enrollment
• Maintain regular contact with families receiving intensive support (at least monthly) to ensure the program meets their needs
• Collaborate with youth peers assigned to shared families, maintaining timely communication and updates (minimum monthly)
• Act as liaison between youth peers and parents/caregivers to ensure communication at both peer-to-peer levels (with exceptions for language barriers or children in care without a parent present)
• Model recovery, self-care, professionalism, and a strengths-based approach
• Actively work on a wellness plan
• Maintain healthy boundaries with families, peers, and program participants
• Create and attend social opportunities for families and youth to enhance social networks
• Share program documents and feedback surveys with families served
• Provide mentorship, resources, and system navigation
• Promote acceptance and social learning through shared experiences
• Facilitate support groups as needed (e.g., WRAP, Connection Recovery Support, Family Support Groups)
• Provide parents with written materials about available resources
• Communicate with team and the FST Clinical Supervisor regarding barriers and family needs
• Follow agency procedures and expectations for documentation, quality assurance, and best practice standards
• Collaborate with systems of care and community partners to ensure families access needed resources
• Abide by Children and Families Incident Reporting Procedures and agency policies
• Ensure timely and appropriate aftercare and case closure
• Attend and participate in professional development training as required
• Maintain positive, supportive working relationships with children, parents/caregivers, and professionals involved
• Uphold public trust and seek ongoing training, education, and supervision in ethical practices
• Maintain client records in accordance with Medicaid and/or COA standards
• Attend monthly clinical meetings and quarterly peer reviews
• Perform other duties as assigned

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS / PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Commitment to the mission of The Florida Center for Child and Family Development and its programs
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, time management, public speaking, and organizational skills
• Professional appearance, behavior, and attitude
• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals in high-pressure or stressful situations
• Ability to work independently, use initiative, and meet deadlines
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint) and willingness to learn additional software
• Excellent communication skills appropriate for children and adults
• Compliance with all mandatory reporting laws for suspected abuse, neglect, or risk of harm
• Reliable attendance (standard 90%) and participation in staff meetings
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and complete paperwork accurately and on time (timesheets, mileage logs, leave requests, client records, contact notes, assessments, etc.)
• Provide quality services to clients and families as evidenced through assessment and quality improvement reviews
• Support family-centered values and children’s safety and stability
• Ability to work respectfully with culturally diverse populations, including families who may be resistant to services
• Ability to identify and address personal or institutional bias/discrimination
• Maturity and experience in working successfully with children and families
• Maintain required caseload productivity and standards for direct client contact
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with policies, state and federal laws, and professional ethics
• Ability to adapt to changing environments and work flexible schedules to meet family needs
• Set appropriate limits and boundaries with clients, coworkers, and partners
• Adhere to FS Chapter 491 Laws and Rules and the ACA Code of Ethics
• Adhere to the agency’s drug-free workplace policy

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Client homes, agency offices, and other community settings

Duties

• Conduct assessments to identify family needs and develop individualized support plans.
• Provide crisis intervention and management services to families facing immediate challenges.
• Collaborate with child protective services and other agencies to ensure the safety and welfare of children.
• Offer guidance on family law matters and facilitate access to legal resources when necessary.
• Support families in navigating childcare options and behavioral health services.
• Implement conflict management strategies to resolve disputes within families.
• Maintain accurate documentation of case notes, progress reports, and service plans.
• Participate in training sessions and professional development opportunities to enhance skills related to child welfare.

Requirements

• Experience working with children in a professional setting is essential.
• Knowledge of child protective services, crisis intervention, and family law is highly desirable.
• Strong background in social work or related fields, with an emphasis on child welfare practices.
• Ability to manage crises effectively while demonstrating empathy and understanding towards families.
• Excellent conflict management skills with the ability to mediate disputes constructively.
• Familiarity with behavioral health resources and support systems for families.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, for effective interaction with families and professionals.
• A commitment to maintaining confidentiality and adhering to ethical standards in all interactions.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b)
• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Vision insurance

Language:

• Bilingual (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Sarasota, FL 34235 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21