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Job Title: Family Peer Support Specialist – Per Diem

Department: Family Peer Support

Position Summary

The Family Peer Support Specialist is responsible for providing direct services to families caring for or raising a child experiencing social, emotional, developmental, medical, substance use, and/or behavioral challenges. Services support the child’s ability to remain safely in their community and are designed to achieve goals identified in the child or youth’s treatment plan. The Specialist empowers families through outreach, advocacy, and skill development, while fostering productive partnerships between families, service providers, and community resources.

Department

New Directions Youth & Family Services’ Family Peer Support program provides individualized and group support to strengthen families’ ability to navigate complex systems. Staff work collaboratively with families, service providers, and community partners to promote stability, growth, and resilience.

Agency

New Directions Youth & Family Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to anti-racism, justice, and equity. We welcome applicants from diverse cultures and backgrounds to uphold our values and mission and to reflect the communities we serve.

Benefits

+ Paid time off (pro-rated for per diem)

+ Opportunities for professional growth within a supportive organization

Compensation

$35 per hour.

Hours/Schedule

Per Diem, flexible schedule based on client and program needs (evenings may be required).

Professional Development Opportunities

+ Training in Family Assessment of Strengths and Needs (FANS)

+ Ongoing supervision, in-service training, and renewal credential support

+ Participation in agency-provided certifications and skill-building sessions

Position-Specific Duties/Responsibilities

Individual Family Support

+ Provide outreach and advocacy to parents/guardians of youth with significant emotional or behavioral needs.

+ Conduct preliminary assessments using the Family Assessment of Needs and Strengths.

+ Engage families, bridge connections, and support transitions between services, including accompanying families to programs and assisting with required documentation.

+ Address barriers that prevent families from fully participating in services.

+ Support families during transitions such as placements, crises, or changes in service systems.

+ Empower families to make informed decisions and build self-advocacy and parenting skills.

+ Prepare families for successful transition out of peer support services.

Collaboration and Community Partnerships

+ Work collaboratively with formal systems, providers, and informal networks.

+ Conduct outreach and needs assessments with community partners.

+ Maintain knowledge of Niagara County community resources.

Documentation

+ Maintain accurate and timely case records, including assessments, service plans, progress notes, and outcome monitoring.

+ Adhere to Medicaid billing and documentation requirements.

+ Document group meetings, participant rosters, topics, and related expenditures.

+ Conduct client satisfaction surveys at regular intervals.

Agency Standards/Norms

+ Participate in regular supervision and staff meetings.

+ Maintain a flexible schedule based on family needs.

+ Adhere to agency policies and the Family Peer Advocate Code of Ethics.

+ Utilize normative culture in interactions.

+ Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

+ Ability to work respectfully with families, youth, and community partners from diverse backgrounds.

+ Strong advocacy, observation, and communication skills (verbal and written).

+ Flexibility and adaptability to changing needs and emergent situations.

+ Teamwork and willingness to accept supervision.

+ Knowledge of behavioral health and child-serving systems.

+ Must meet agency driving and health requirements.

Qualifications

+ Demonstrated lived experience as a parent or primary caregiver navigating multiple child-serving systems on behalf of a child with emotional, developmental, health, or behavioral needs.(required)

+ Must have the Family Peer Advocate (FPA) Professional Credential(required)

+ High school diploma or equivalency preferred (may be waived for relevant life experience sufficient for peer certification).

+ Valid driver’s license, adequate auto insurance, and ability to meet driving criteria per agency policy.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable human service organization to apply.