Parent Partner

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network•Framingham, MA

7d•$21 - $22

About The Position

The Parent Partner provides hope, information, encouragement, and one-to-one support to parents and guardians of children with emotional or behavioral health issues receiving services through Wayside Academy’s 220-day, 12-month setting. Drawing on personal experience raising a child with mental health challenges and experience accessing special education or related services, the Parent Partner helps guardians partner effectively with school staff and participate in their child’s education. The role contributes to a physically safe and intellectually open learning environment consistent with special education best practices. It also serves as the first point of contact for guardians of prospective students and supports Academy management with tours and information sessions. This is a full-time position with flexible schedule options and potential for work from home. The salary range is $20.50–$21.50 per hour, depending on experience, plus a $2,000 sign-on bonus, pro-rated for part-time employment. Half of the bonus is paid after six months of employment and half after one year. Wayside describes itself as a youth- and family-serving agency supporting more than 6,000 youth and families annually across Central, Eastern, and Northeastern Massachusetts. Employees are offered comprehensive benefits, wellness supports, training, and career development opportunities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Personal experience as a parent, caregiver, guardian, grandparent, or foster care parent raising a child with mental health challenges, along with current or past experience accessing special education or related services for that child.
Ability to work independently, self-direct projects, propose solutions, and take initiative in building and maintaining rapport with guardians.
Flexibility and creative thinking, including adapting to changing work situations and responding when a group or activity does not go as planned.
Ability to teach, mentor, and coach others, provide constructive feedback to guardians and staff, and explain lived experience with accessing services and special education law.
Dependability, persistence, and strong follow-through on assigned tasks.
Ability to build and maintain effective partnerships and communication with guardians and ensure relevant information is shared with appropriate staff.
Complete TCI, CPR, and First Aid training upon hire.

Nice To Haves

Non-profit organization experience.
Work history within child-serving systems.

Responsibilities

Contact guardians of prospective students, track contacts in the referral log, and schedule and support tours and information sessions.
Provide group, family, and individual counseling interventions for guardians.
Facilitate monthly virtual Parent Advisory Committee meetings, parent trainings, engagement opportunities with school staff, and events.
Consult and collaborate with teachers and parents about students’ needs to identify and implement appropriate resources.
Consult and collaborate with teachers and parents regarding guardian needs and communications.
Document individual and group counseling sessions and complete required assessments, training records, and outcome measurement tools.
Assist caregivers in planning for their child’s strengths and needs and accessing resources, services, and supports.
Help caregivers prepare for and schedule school meetings, events, trainings, and related meetings, and assist with transportation to them.
Submit required paperwork on time and maintain strong communication with Academy team members.
Attend program functions and parent engagement opportunities as scheduled.
Participate in scheduled engagement activities with students.