Family Support Specialist

Family Support Specialist Generation 2 Generation - 4.0 Saint Paul, MN Job Details Part-time $26 - $31 an hour 9 hours ago Qualifications Spanish Multilingual Intake High school diploma or GED Cultural competency Working with families Working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds Associate's degree Full Job Description Generation 2 Generation Inc operates the Healing and Treatment Homes Project, a Rule 2960 licensed behavioral health home serving justice-impacted youth ages 14-17 referred by Ramsey County. Our program provides structured residential living, individualized behavioral health support, and coordinated care that addresses the whole person. Residents come to us navigating the juvenile justice system, school, mental health challenges, and complex family dynamics. Our model brings together residential support, care coordination, mental health services, family engagement, and medical oversight under one roof. We partner with a licensed mental health provider to deliver on-site group and individual therapy, and we work closely with each youth's probation officer, school team, and family to ensure aligned, consistent support. Every team member at Generation 2 Generation is expected to model trauma-informed practice, maintain firm and caring boundaries, and hold a genuine belief in the capacity of young people to grow and change. Lived experience with the justice system, foster care, or behavioral health challenges is welcomed and valued. Position Overview The Family Support Specialist is a contract position responsible for building and sustaining meaningful connections between the Healing and Treatment Homes and the families of residents. Many of the young people in this program come from families who are navigating their own challenges and may have complicated, strained, or limited relationships with their children. The Family Support Specialist meets families where they are, provides consistent and compassionate communication, and works to ensure that family relationships are a source of support and healing rather than an additional stressor in a resident's life. This role requires someone with genuine relationship-building skills, deep cultural competency, and the ability to hold space for family members who may themselves be hurting, distrustful of systems, or uncertain how to support their child. Lived experience navigating systems as a parent or family member of a justice-involved young person is a significant asset. Key Responsibilities Serve as the primary point of contact between the program and each resident's family or identified support persons Conduct intake meetings with families at or near the time of a resident's admission to establish relationship and set expectations Maintain regular, proactive contact with families through phone, video, and in-person meetings Communicate program updates, resident progress, behavioral concerns, and significant events to families in a timely and trauma-informed manner Facilitate family visits and participation in programming as appropriate and consistent with each resident's care plan Support family members in understanding the program's structure, expectations, and their role in their child's recovery Identify and connect families to community resources including support groups, counseling, housing, and financial assistance Participate in care team meetings to represent the family voice and perspective Work collaboratively with probation officers, school staff, and mental health providers to ensure families are appropriately informed and engaged Document family contacts, meeting notes, and significant communications in accordance with program standards Support planning for family reunification or transition as residents approach discharge A Note on This Role This position is not about managing families or delivering information on behalf of the program. It is about building genuine trust with people who may have every reason not to trust a system. The Family Liaison earns that trust through consistency, honesty, and care. Required Qualifications High school diploma or GED required; Associate's or Bachelor's degree in social work, family studies, or a related field preferred Experience working with families of youth involved in the juvenile justice system, child welfare, or behavioral health services Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills across diverse cultural and family backgrounds Ability to maintain professional boundaries while building warm, genuine relationships Reliable transportation and willingness to conduct periodic home visits NetStudy 2.0 background check clearance required Preferred Qualifications Lived experience as a parent or family member of a justice-involved or system-involved young person Bilingual or multilingual language skills; Spanish, Somali, Hmong, or other languages valued Experience as a Parent Partner, Family Advocate, or in a peer support role Familiarity with Ramsey County systems including juvenile probation, child protection, and community services

Pay:

$26.00 - $31.00 per hour

Work Location:

In person