Description:
CELEBRATING 43 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE DISABILITY COMMUNITY
Through the Looking Glass (TLG) is a disability community-based nonprofit organization in Berkeley, California. TLG has pioneered clinical and supportive services, as well as national training and research, serving families in which one or more members – whether parent or child - has a disability or medical issue. Since its founding in 1982, TLG has provided infant mental health or infant/parent /family therapy and relationship-based developmental services. TLG’s mission is: “To provide and encourage respectful and empowering services—guided by personal disability experience and disability culture—for families that have children, parents, or grandparents with disability or medical issues.” TLG’s staff includes culturally and linguistically diverse psychologists, marriage and family therapists, social workers, developmental specialists, occupational therapists, and early educators, many of whom have personal or family disability experience.
Position Summary:
The Family Peer Support Specialist is a core member of the Through the Looking Glass (TLG) team, serving families where a child or parent has a disability. Services are primarily home-based and integrate infant mental health, developmental, and family systems models with disability resources and expertise.
This role ensures that the parent/guardian’s perspective as well as the family’s cultural and disability-related values are represented in all aspects of service delivery. The Specialist offers peer support to parents, caregivers, or family members, helping them strengthen their capacity to function at home, school, work, and in the community.
As a peer with lived experience, the Family Peer Support Specialist helps families navigate systems of care, connect with services, and develop advocacy and leadership skills, while promoting wellness and recovery in partnership with the clinical team. Services are culturally responsive and grounded in both experience and professional training.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
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Provide families with information about TLG services, procedures, and available supports.
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Offer peer support to parents and caregivers to promote wellness and strengthen family functioning.
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Advocate for family-centered, culturally responsive care in treatment planning and service delivery.
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Help families build support systems and access services within and outside of TLG.
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Offer non-judgmental, empathetic guidance based on lived experience.
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Promote self-advocacy and navigation skills, incorporating cultural and disability perspectives.
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Serve as a role model and mentor for families navigating disability or behavioral health systems.
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Assist with arranging transportation for essential appointments, such as school, court, or therapy.
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Collaborate with clinical teams and advocate for family voice in care planning.
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Attend TLG meetings, training sessions, and supervision sessions focused on family engagement.
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Maintain confidentiality of all client information in compliance with HIPAA standards.
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Work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
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Participate in outreach activities to promote TLG’s services in the community
Requirements:
Required Skills/Abilities:
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Bilingual and biliterate skills preferred (especially Spanish/English or ASL).
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, SharePoint)
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Strong organizational and time management skills.
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Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team. Culturally competent and sensitive to the diverse backgrounds of families served.
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Drivers’ license and ability to drive to provide services
Education and Experience:
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Bachelor’s degree preferred; relevant experience may be substituted.
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Meeting California’s Peer Support Specialist certification requirements (SB 803).
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Strongly preferred: Personal experience as a caregiver for a child with a disability, behavioral health, or developmental issue, and experience with public systems such as Regional Center, CCS, or special education (especially in Alameda County).
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Experience working with diverse populations and families with complex needs.
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Demonstrated ability to engage families in supportive services.
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Experience in working with governmental systems including Alameda County Social Services and Behavioral Health Care Agency preferred
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Strong communication skills, including diplomacy and sensitivity to the needs of vulnerable individuals and families, as well as ability to ensure confidentiality
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Strong team player with an understanding of the importance of collaboration within and between agencies, demonstrated by ability to work collaboratively with other organizational managers, partner organizations, and communities;
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Must be organized, attentive to detail, and efficient in time management.
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Working Environment & Physical Requirements:
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Ability to work at a computer for up to 8 hours/day.
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Frequent sitting; occasional walking, standing, and lifting (up to 50 lbs.).
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Must comply with healthcare COVID-19 vaccination and related health requirements.
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Ability to drive to provide services
Certifications, Licenses, and Registrations:
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Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist
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Valid California driver’s license and current vehicle insurance required.
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Must pass a physical exam, TB test, and criminal background check prior to employment
