Position Summary
Provide family engagement and advocacy for families, youth, and young adults enrolled in Wraparound Youth CCS/Reach Milwaukee services. Utilize the unique lived experiences of parenting a child with significant mental health, substance use, co-occurring, and life needs to provide hope to parents/caregivers. The role of the Parent Peer/Peer Specialist is to enhance parenting knowledge and skills to minimize crisis and maximize the long-term benefits of involvement in Wraparound. Focus on parent and youth strengths as part of the solution and on family participation as partners in all aspects of their care.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
· Serve as the first point of contact for parents of youth in the Wraparound system of care, introducing them to PSL Services. Frequent follow-up is necessary to provide one-to-one parent peer support to parents and caregivers in various community settings, including their homes.
· Use lived experience to build professional relationships with youth and families enrolled in Wraparound, assisting them in navigating mental health/behavioral health, youth justice, and/or child welfare systems. Walk with the parent/caregiver and youth to ensure their needs are met and their voice is heard, understood, and respected.
· Work directly with the parent/caregiver within the family system to reduce crisis triggers, model parenting and crisis management skills, provide family education, and support families during crises.
· Collaborate with Care Coordinators to determine whether the family would benefit from longer-term support and to make recommendations to other services.
· Role model recovery in all interactions and use lived experience to engage families.
· Support the care team in understanding and identifying the family’s needs and in developing strategies to meet those needs.
· Work closely with the family to identify a sustainable network of community support and resources to meet the family’s needs.
· Partner with the Care Coordinator, as requested, to build strong working relationships with community organizations that serve Milwaukee youth and their families.
· Collaborate closely with the Wraparound/Reach team, as necessary, to ensure the needs of the youth and family are met.
· Support youth and families in engaging in mental health services by accompanying them to appointments and community activities.
· Attend, upon request, Child and Family Team Meetings, including the development and implementation of the Plan of Care and Crisis Plan.
· Complete all necessary paperwork and documentation in a timely manner. Documentation should be strengths-based per Wraparound Milwaukee/Agency requirements.
· Attend and actively participate in weekly supervision.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or GED/HSED required; graduate of state Parent Peer Specialist training; possess current Certified Parent Peer Specialist certification or become certified within one year of employment; meet all PSL and contractor requirements for criminal and caregiver background checks, driving record, and references; possess strong written and verbal communication skills. Complete all required Wraparound training for the position. Ability to demonstrate cultural competence by responding respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values everyone’s worth. Knowledge and skills to work with children, young adults, and families. Lived experience parenting a youth with mental health, substance use, co-occurring, juvenile justice, and/or life needs. A valid driver’s license, an automobile, and sufficient insurance to meet agency requirements are preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Working knowledge of positive youth and young adult development; patience and understanding of challenging life needs; knowledge of mental health and co-occurring needs; ability to interact calmly and professionally with youth, young adults, and caregivers; ability to follow oral and written instructions and cues; ability to remain calm and respond appropriately in crisis situations; computer skills; accurate documentation; ability to meet deadlines; sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, and life needs.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The position is mobile, with time spent in the community, including home visits, and in the office. Driving throughout Milwaukee County is required, as is the ability to climb stairs if necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in an office environment and in the community, serving parents, children, and youth. Some of the work is done sitting at a desk using a computer; requires outreach in the community and families’ homes; much of the outreach is done in communities throughout Milwaukee, and several hours per day may be spent driving; hours average 20 per week; flexible work schedule includes some hours outside the regular work schedule.
Wisconsin Community Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Experience:
- serving people with substance use : 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License with insured vehicle (Required)
- Graduate of state Parent Peer Specialist training (Required)
Work Location: In person
