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 DMH-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 offers hope, information, encouragement, and one-to-one support to parents and caregivers of children with emotional or behavioral health issues. The position may be full-time or part-time and is based in Waltham. Compensation is $22.00–$25.50 per hour, depending on experience, plus a sign-on bonus. Half of the bonus is paid after six months of employment and half after one year; payments are prorated for part-time employees. Wayside provides training in Motivational Interviewing, Courageous Conversations, the Attachment, Regulation and Competency Model (ARC), and Trauma-Informed Practice.

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.
Reliable automotive transportation and a valid driver's license.
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 them.
Ability to connect with people.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Flexibility, creative thinking, and ability to adapt.
Ability to work well independently.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability; preferred but not required.

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 their child's strengths and needs.
Help parents and caregivers access resources, services, and support.
Consult and work with providers and parents or caregivers to determine how best to meet the needs of youth with mental health concerns.