Parent Peer Support Specialist

Parent Peer Support Specialist

To positively affect the child and family environment through parent peer support services for families seeking behavioral health and substance use treatment. The Parent Peer Support Specialist utilizes lived experience to assist parents in navigating services, accessing resources, advocating for their children, and strengthening family systems. This role promotes, strengthens, and consistently articulates the mission of Saint Francis Ministries, Inc.

Responsibilities include:

• Assisting parents/caregivers in engaging in outpatient behavioral health, substance use treatment, and community services through peer support for up to 6 months post PRTF discharge.
• Supporting incentive programs for active participation and completion of treatment and recovery programs.
• Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with community partners, schools, treatment teams, and family-serving agencies.
• Providing parent-to-parent support using lived experience to foster hope, resilience, and self-advocacy.
• Providing in-home and community-based parent support services through in-person and virtual modalities.
• Facilitating or co-facilitating psycho educational and skills-based groups related to parenting, family support, and healthy living.
• Assisting parents in navigating IEP/504 processes, behavioral health systems, and available community resources.
• Ensuring the successful transition of youth from PRTF to community settings by supporting parents during PRTF placement through discharge planning, connecting families to community resources, participating in transition meetings, and reinforcing continuity of services.
• Supporting placement stability for up to 6 months after PRTF discharge by helping parents implement structured routines, access ongoing outpatient care, strengthen parenting skills, and reduce factors that may lead to crisis or placement disruption.
• Documenting all services in accordance with KDADS Parent Peer Support guidelines, Medicaid billing requirements, and Saint Francis policies.
• Being knowledgeable of and following all safety procedures.
• Implementing SFM policies and following directives as required. Following all SFM Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), personnel policies, accreditation/licensure standards, and federal, state, and local contract requirements.
• Participating in required KDADS trainings, including Level 1 Parent Peer Support training, IEP training, and Level 2 certification when eligible.
• Participating in required PAX tool training.
• Maintaining appropriate professional boundaries and practicing trauma-informed care.

Qualifications include:

• High school diploma or GED
• Must have lived experience as a parent or long-term caregiver of a child with emotional, behavioral, substance use, or mental health challenges (required for KDADS certification).
• Certification as a Parent Peer Support Specialist preferred but must complete level 1 training toward becoming a Kansas Certified Parent Peer Support Specialist in Training (KCPPSST) within the first 2 months of hire.
• Must complete PAX Tool Training in the first 2 months.
• Must have completed and passed the Individual Education Plan training through Families Together
• Must be 21 years of age.
• Must pass a physical examination, including drug screen and TB Skin Test
• Must pass MVR, KBI and Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry Clearance check.
• Must have a valid Driver's License. Legally capable of operating vehicle in accordance with state driving regulations.