Family Partner

Behavioral Health Network • Ware, MA

3d

About The Position

The Family Partner is a vital member of the Families in Transition (FIT) program team at the Community Service Agency (CSA). The program supports children and youth with serious emotional disturbance who are at risk for, or transitioning from, out-of-home placements, including residential programs, foster care, group homes, shelters, and psychiatric hospitals.

The Family Partner provides peer-to-peer, strength-based support to parents and caregivers, drawing on lived experience navigating child-serving systems. The role uses empowerment, cultural humility, and a family-driven approach to help families engage in services, build self-advocacy skills and social connections, and support their child’s functioning and progress. The position works with the FIT clinician and paraprofessional to provide intensive, community-based support to youth and families.

Requirements

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a human services field from an accredited university and one year of experience working with children, adolescents, or transition-age youth; or a high school diploma or GED and at least two years of such experience.
• Experience as a caregiver of a youth with special needs; experience with a youth with mental health needs is preferred.
• Experience navigating systems such as DCF, DMH, special education, or inpatient psychiatric services.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Nice To Haves

• Experience as a caregiver of a youth with mental health needs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a peer mentor to parents and caregivers, modeling effective advocacy and collaboration skills.
• Engage parents and caregivers in activities designed to address treatment-plan goals and identify formal and community-based resources.
• Work with the FIT clinician and FIT paraprofessional to deliver intensive supports to youth and families in community-based settings.
• Maintain high-quality documentation, including progress notes and encounter records, in a timely and organized manner.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold ethical standards and boundaries in accordance with organizational policies and guidelines.
• Use regular supervision, team meetings, and professional development opportunities to improve practice and performance.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off.
• 403(b).
• Educational assistance.
• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Ongoing training, mentorship, career development, and advancement opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: Associate degree