Family Support Specialist

CJR•Bridgeport, CT

2d•$60,000 - $65,000

About The Position

The Family Support Specialist plays a vital role in engaging and empowering families by providing direct support, facilitating family visits, and advocating for their needs. They collaborate closely with clinicians to assess family needs, connect youth with their families, and support skill-building through group sessions. This position involves working flexible hours, occasionally including evenings and weekends, to accommodate family schedules. The specialist will also develop a strong understanding of community resources across Connecticut and maintain ongoing connections with families throughout treatment. A key member of the treatment team, the Family Support Specialist, helps ensure that families feel supported and empowered throughout the recovery process.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent with lived experience - Required
2 years’ experience directly working with system-involved families, certified peer specialist preferred
Valid driver’s license to utilize a company vehicle - Required
Skills in Advocacy, Crisis Intervention and ability to function independently - Required
Flexible hours/weekends and evenings - Required
Understanding unique issues and needs of adolescents - Required

Nice To Haves

Advanced DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy) knowledge
Ability to speak Spanish a plus

Responsibilities

Develop and implement family engagement and empowerment strategies
Provide direct support to families
Share the “family perspective” with program staff and administrators
Support the Clinician with scheduling family visits, home visits as well as providing transportation
Assist Clinician to assess needs and service options for clients and their families
Assist Clinician with connecting youth to family facilitating meetings and visits as necessary
Advocate for youth and their families
Play a significant role in the client’s treatment team
Support families by facilitating skills groups
Work on a flexible schedule, which includes weekend and evening hours
Develop knowledge base of community resources across Connecticut
Maintain connection with youth and family throughout treatment and beyond

Benefits

Low-cost Medical Insurance Plan option
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance offered after 30 days of employment
Company Paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance
Generous Paid Vacation Package (unused time eligible for carry over)
Generous Paid Sick Time (unused time eligible for carry over)
Paid Holiday Time (separate from vacation time)
Floating Holidays (separate from paid vacation time and paid holiday time)
Annual monetary incentives
Tuition Assistance
401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
Career Growth Opportunities
Company Celebrations & Employee Recognition Program
Employee discounts (cell phone, computer)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Qualified Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Employer Federal Student Aid
10%-20% tuition discount at many local educational institutions, including those listed by the CT Nonprofit Alliance