Family Partner

Wayside•Waltham, MA

About The Position

Wayside is seeking a dynamic, talented, and compassionate Family Partner to provide supportive services to parents and caregivers of eligible youth. The role requires lived experience as a parent or primary caregiver of a youth who is or has been involved in the mental health system. The Family Partner provides hope, information, encouragement, and one-to-one support to parents and caregivers of children with emotional or behavioral health issues. The position helps caregivers plan for their child’s strengths and needs, access resources, services, and support, and work with providers and caregivers to determine how best to meet the needs of youth with mental health concerns. The role is community based in Framingham/Waltham and requires driving in the community.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Lived experience as a parent or primary caregiver of a youth who is or has been involved in the mental health system.
Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle.
Knowledge of behavioral health systems and services, DMH and DCF resources, special education law and services, and other social service resources, including how to access these services.
Talent connecting with people.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Flexibility and creative thinking, with the ability to adapt.
Ability to work well independently.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual skills.

Responsibilities

Provide hope, information, encouragement, and one-to-one support to parents and caregivers of children with emotional or behavioral health issues.
Assist caregivers in planning for the strengths and needs of their child.
Help parents and caregivers access resources, services, and support.
Team up and consult with providers and parents or caregivers about how best to meet the needs of youth with mental health concerns.
Drive in the community.