Description

The Family Support Peer Specialist is responsible for visitingthe Department of Children and Families (DCF) referred client familiesin their place of residence within the state of Massachusetts to provide assistance in meeting their basic needs and help parents build self-reliance and family stability andsupportparent-child nurturing interactions. Provide education in parenting skills, home management skills, psycho education in Mental Health and Domestic Violence to caregivers and assist families in identifying and accessing community resources. The Family Support Peer Specialist may also supervise visitation between parents and children removed from home by DCF and provide transportation to children and visits while ensuring children’s safety and adequate supervision. Promote and support parental resilience.  

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS  

A bachelor's degree in human services, Social Work, Counseling or a related field or less than a bachelor's degree but with 3 years commensurate home visiting experience.
Experience working with a social service delivery team.
Experience working with family dynamics, families in conflict, and families of diverse culture and ethnicity in a home-based environment.
Experience with providing services to culturally diverse communities and families/participants
Knowledge of personal and client safety obtained through related work and training is necessary.
Parenting experience or extensive knowledge of the parenting role and responsibilities. 
Understanding of health, behavioral health and developmental issues within the family and sensitivity to the needs, interests, and capacities of the parents as primary caregivers. 
Ability to work as a team member with other professionals; to address the cultural and ethnic diversity of families; and to understand and maintain confidentiality and boundaries. 
Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage for work related travel to client homes and other locations.
Demonstrated maturity and self-awareness.
Flexibility to work early mornings, evenings and weekends as needed. 
Ability to navigate stairs in residences without elevator access. 
Good communication, writing, editing and typing skills with attention to detail. 
Good computer skills with knowledge of Microsoft Office, Outlook and the use of the Virtual Gateway for Department of Children and Families reporting information
Bi-lingual preferred, Spanish, Haitian creole, Portuguese