Family Support Partner

Family Service Of Rhode Island•Exeter, RI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

FSRI is always looking for candidates that want to make a positive impact on the community! About the Program: South County Academy (SCA), a program of Family Service of Rhode Island and in partnership with the Rhode Island Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF), is a residential treatment program upholding RIDE standards located in Exeter, Rhode Island. The Academy serves up to 16 adolescent females, ages 13 to 17, who have experienced trauma and present with complex behavioral health needs. Students live in single-bedroom accommodations and are supported by staff 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Our clinical model is grounded in evidence-based practice, including Trauma Systems Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Restorative Practices. On-site academic instruction allows students to continue their education without interruption. Position Summary: The Family Support Partner (FSP) is a peer role. The FSP uses their own lived experience as a parent or caregiver of a young person with behavioral health, child welfare, or juvenile justice involvement to build authentic, nonjudgmental relationships with the parents, caregivers, guardians, and identified permanency connections of youth placed at SCA. The FSP is not a clinician and does not provide therapy, diagnosis, or direct treatment. The FSP partners with families so that family voice is present and heard in every stage of care, from admission through discharge and aftercare. The FSP supports the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) principle that residential care is one part of a continuum, and that family and community connections must stay active throughout placement. The FSP works within the TST framework and supports the program in maintaining TST in the milieu. Family involvement with the FSP is by family choice. Some families may decline this support, and others may need it only briefly. The length of the relationship differs with each family because the purpose of the role is to move the family toward self-efficacy, not dependence.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED required.
Lived experience as a parent or caregiver of a child or youth with serious emotional disturbance, a developmental disability, child welfare involvement, or juvenile justice involvement is required.
Demonstrated ability to use personal lived experience appropriately and selectively in a professional helping relationship.
Knowledge of and sensitivity to cultural, ethnic, racial, and socioeconomic issues, and to the experiences of families involved with child welfare.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including conflict resolution and mediation.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Willingness and capability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as needed, since family availability drives this role.
Current driver’s license, reliable transportation with a minimum of three seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and proof of automobile insurance, registration, and inspection.
Acceptable driving record required.
Must pass all background checks required for employment in a licensed residential program serving youth, including BCI and DCYF clearances.
Ability to sit for extended periods of time.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English and Spanish strongly preferred.
Employees may be scheduled to work shifts less than three hours in any workday to attend required staff meetings, which are agreed to in advance by the parties.

Responsibilities

Build authentic, nonjudgmental relationships with the parents, caregivers, guardians, and identified permanency connections of youth placed at SCA.
Partner with families so that family voice is present and heard in every stage of care, from admission through discharge and aftercare.
Support the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) principle that residential care is one part of a continuum, and that family and community connections must stay active throughout placement.
Work within the TST framework and support the program in maintaining TST in the milieu.
Utilize a computer and Electronic Medical Record to complete documentation.
Travel to office and community locations.
Spend approximately 40-60% of time in the community (requiring local travel) to meet clients.
Work independently and as part of a team.
Communicate effectively.