Parent Empowerment Peer Specialist

The Peer Support Specialist will work within a multi-disciplinary team to provide peer-to-peer support for families who are navigating the child and family well-being system (DCF). The Peer Support Specialist will use their experience navigating DCF, custody loss, and reintegration of a child back into the home as a base for delivering navigational support with families to promote safety, permanency, quality engagement, and well-being for children and families across Kansas. This could involve providing advocacy services that families need at council meetings, committee meetings, appointments, and other supporting activities involved in the reintegration process.

Job Responsibilities:

• Requires travel to key sites within their assignment DCF catchment area
• Providing support: Offering support, guidance, and coaching to families navigating the child and well-being system

Advocating:

Speaking up for families and protecting their rights

Educating:

Sharing stories, providing information, and advising on community resources

• Building relationships: Helping people connect to service providers and social support networks
• Leading groups: Facilitating support groups and educational sessions

Collaborating:

Working with other providers, family members, and state entities. Participating and providing feedback in the development of mentoring and advocacy training materials

• Maintaining confidentiality: Observing all rules of confidentiality for clinical information and treatment
• Coordinate advocacy activities for parents of an assigned catchment area
• Document activity logs
• Maintain records and data collection
• Compile monthly and annual reports, as requested
• Provide training in the use of community resources
• Attend Agency staff meetings, Case Conferences and Individual and Group Supervision
• Participate in staff training and development
• Serve on designated committees within the agency, if applicable
• Required to complete the Family Peer Advocate credentialing process within 12 months of hire.

Required Qualifications Education:

• High School diploma or GED.

Education may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis. Experience used to substitute education is in addition to any required work experience.

Certifications/Licenses:

n/a

Work Experience:

• Self Identifies as someone who has successfully navigated the DCF system and have successfully reintegrated their child back into their home for at least six months
• Is knowledgeable of current foster care system processes and available service supports
• Has reliable transportation

Languages:

n/a

Preferred Qualifications Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in a related business field.

Certifications/Licenses:

n/a

Work Experience:

• Has self-identified life experience as a caregiver, parent, or guardian, with a child with special needs, disabilities, and/or mental health condition and direct life experience navigating multiple systems of care within Kansas
• Has knowledge of community resources and services for families with children with ASD and I/DD or other mental/behavioral needs
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, etc…)
• Experience using data collection services (REDCap)

Languages:

• Fluent in English & Spanish languages Skills
• Strong independent organizational skills.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational and planning skills
• Recognizes and demonstrates sensitivity toward cultural and ethnic differences
• Effectively can manage conflict to promote change and growth and inspire the development of families served
• Has strong interpersonal skills
• Knowledgeable in Microsoft Office Suite (Microsoft Word, Excel, SharePoint, etc…)
• Knowledge of data collection services (REDCap)
• Excellent record-keeping skills This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

It is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, duties, and assignments. Furthermore, job duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Job Type:

Part-time Pay:

From $20.00 per hour

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid time off People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location:

Hybrid remote in Ransom, KS 67572