Family Support Specialist - ACT Team & - Saco

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Saco Job Code:

13200

Location:

Saco 04072

Department:

ACT Team FT/PT Status:

Full Time Summary:

This position with work on both the ACT Team and High Fidelity Wrap Around programs! The Family Support Specialist (FSS) is a key member of the team(s), providing family-based support and skill-building to caregivers of youth with complex behavioral health needs. Drawing on lived experience as a caregiver, the FSS partners with families to strengthen voice, choice, and leadership within the wraparound process. The FSS ensures that services remain family-driven, culturally responsive, and strengths-based, while supporting caregiver resilience and capacity to navigate systems.

Essential Job Functions:

• Establish authentic, trusting relationships with caregivers through shared lived experience
• Provide emotional support, validation, and encouragement to caregivers navigating complex systems
• Assist families in identifying strengths, needs, and priorities
• Support caregivers actively participating in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings
• Reinforce family voice and choice in all phases of the wraparound process
• Coach caregivers in advocacy, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Support development of coping strategies and stress management techniques
• Provide education on child-serving systems
• Actively participate in Child and Family team meetings
• Collaborate closely with the Care Coordinator to ensure fidelity to the wrap around model
• Assist in development and implementation of the Plan of Care/ Treatment Plan
• Help monitor progress toward family-driven goals
• Support caregivers in accessing services and resources
• Assist families in preparing for meetings (IEP, court, treatment planning)
• Promote coordination across systems to reduce fragmentation
• Maintain accurate, timely, and strength-based documentation in accordance with program and regulatory requirements
• Track service delivery, progress notes, and outcomes as required.
• Adhere to all confidentiality, ethical, and professional standards.

Required:

• Lived experience as a primary caregiver of a child with behavioral health, social/emotional, or developmental needs.
• High school diploma or equivalent (associate or bachelor's degree preferred)
• Certification as Family Support Specialist (will provide certification in required time frame upon hire)
• Knowledge of child-serving systems (behavioral health, special education, child welfare, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills