Family Support Specialist

What You'll Do:

The Family Support Specialist provides family-centered, peer-informed support to youth and caregivers receiving services within our walk-in, observation and Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) programs. Drawing on lived experience as a family member, caregiver, or primary support person of an individual who has experienced behavioral or mental health challenges, the Family Support Specialist builds trust, provides hope, and helps families feel supported during times of crisis.

Working collaboratively with the clinical care team, the Family Support Specialist helps families understand and navigate the behavioral health system, identify resources and support, strengthen advocacy and communication skills, and prepare for successful transitions following care. The Family Support Specialist serves as a bridge between families, the care team, and community resources, using lived experience appropriately to promote family engagement, reduce barriers to care, and support youth and families throughout their experience.

• Collaborate with care teams to ensure continuity of care by identifying family needs and barriers and connects families with appropriate resources and supports
• Serve as a knowledgeable resource regarding community-based programs, services, and supports available to children, youth, and families experiencing behavioral or mental health challenges
• Provide individualized referrals and concrete resources (e.g., housing, food access, transportation, mental health providers) tailored to the needs of each family
• Ensure timely and effective communication with individuals and caregivers regarding available services and supports
• Support the development and implementation of crisis and safety plans in collaboration with the youth, family, and clinical care team
• Coordinate with guardians, foster families, caseworkers, and external agencies such as Children and Youth Services (CYS) to align care plans and ensure comprehensive support
• Provide educational handouts and psychoeducational materials specific to the individuals' diagnosis, developmental stage, or family needs
• Draw on personal or lived experience supporting a child, youth, or family member with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs, and the ability to draw on that experience to provide empathetic, peer-informed support to families
• Empower caregivers by teaching advocacy and communication skills to help them navigate systems and speak effectively on behalf of their child, youth, or family member
• Support families of children or youth actively receiving mental health services, helping them engage in treatment and understand their role in the care process
• Conduct follow-up with youth and families post-discharge to confirm successful connection to recommended resources, address any questions or concerns, and provide ongoing support and check-ins.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

What You'll Bring:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Lived experience as a caregiver, family member, or primary support person of a child, youth, or family member who has experienced emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges and/or received behavioral health services required
• One (1) year of experience in behavioral health, human services, family support
• Ability to appropriately use that lived experience to support, educate, advocate for, and connect with other families
• Strong written and oral communication, detail orientation, comfort working with computers and documentation systems
• BLS (Basic Life Support) must be obtained within seven days of hire
• Basic computer literacy, including the ability to document in an Electronic Health Record (EHR)
• Must be able to perform Safe Clinch
• Must pass the following background checks
  • Child Abuse Clearance
  • FBI Criminal Background Check
  • Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
  • Medical Screenings (Physical, TB, and Drug test)
• The Company has a mandatory vaccination policy. All successful applicants must be fully vaccinated, including showing proper documentation, or otherwise be exempt pursuant to the Company’s exemption process prior to their start date as a condition of employment
• Must have flu shot or exemption requiring masking during company established flu season

It would be great if you had:

• One (1) year of experience supporting individuals and/or families in behavioral health, human services, peer support, advocacy, community services, or a related setting preferred
• Completion of recognized family peer-support training or certification
• Knowledge of Pennsylvania's behavioral health and community resource systems
• Experience working with children, adolescents, and families preferred
• Community Based Mental Health Resources Familiarity: Knowledge of community based mental health services, including the ability to assess family needs, provide accurate referrals, and guide families in accessing appropriate support
• Trauma-Informed Care Training: Knowledge of trauma-informed care principles and ability to engage with families experiencing acute stress, trauma, or behavioral crises
• Three (3) or more years' experience working with psychiatric or medical populations in outpatient, inpatient, or residential settings

What We Offer:

Full-time only:

• Employees (and their families) are offered comprehensive health insurance, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity
• CHS pays for Basic Life, AD&D, Short and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Life insurance option for employees and their families
• Health Savings Accounts (with $1,000 to $2,000 employer contribution depending on plan)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
• 401k company match after 6 months (50% of deferrals up to 6% of compensation)
• Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually and 12 recognized company holidays
• Company‑paid parental leave available to eligible employees

All employees (Pool, Part-time and Full-time):

• Employee Assistance Program to help with confidential emotional support, work life solutions, financial solutions, legal assistance, or online support
• After 90 days, you are auto enrolled in the 401k Plan