Parent Peer Specialist-Portage County

Please note, this position requires: 

1. Experience raising a child with social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges 

1. Residence in or around the county/area being served 

Wisconsin Family Ties is a social impact non-profit focused on improving the support, understanding, and acceptance of families that include children with social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. 

We are seeking a passionate, persistent individual to support parents and their children in Portage County. Use your own life experience as a parent of a child with social, emotional, or behavioral challenges to assist other families like yours. This is a unique opportunity to join the growing peer support profession. 

Position Description 

You will provide information, training, support, and advocacy to families as they navigate the various systems and supports serving their children. You also will provide outreach and information to schools, local governments, service providers, and community organizations. Work hours for this position are flexible; occasional weekend work may be required. 

Key Requirements: 

• Experience as a parent or primary caregiver involved in the day-to-day care of a child or adolescent with social, emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges. No exceptions to this requirement will be considered. 
• Experience navigating service systems to obtain services for your child. Service systems include mental health, public education, child welfare, substance use treatment, juvenile/family court, and youth justice. 
• Knowledge of resources and services available in your local area/region 
• Knowledge of wraparound principles and processes preferred 
• Knowledge of special education processes and requirements preferred 
• A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle 
• A private workspace, a smart phone, reliable internet connection, and the ability to join meetings or engage in confidential, sensitive conversations without interruption.
• A laptop or device to use through the first week of training. A laptop, phone number, and office supplies are issued after one week of successful employment. 
  
• Priority will be given to applicants who are able to support nearby counties if needed
• Priority will be given to applicants with a relevant 4-year degree. 

Other Important Information 

• This position will start out as part-time with the potential to grow to full-time. At the time full-time status is achieved, health insurance benefits become available. 
• You will work from your home and travel locally to meet with families at locations convenient for them. We also provide our services by video teleconferencing.
  
• Starting wage is dependent upon level of education and relevance of degree(s). 
• Candidates must be able to provide at least two professional references and pass a caregiver background check 

Wisconsin Family Ties actively strives to be an anti-racist organization.