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.

• Assists 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.
• Supports incentive programs for active participation and completion of treatment and recovery programs.
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with community partners, schools, treatment teams, and family-serving agencies.
• Provides parent-to-parent support using lived experience to foster hope, resilience, and self-advocacy.
• Provides in-home and community-based parent support services through in-person and virtual modalities.
• Facilitates or co-facilitates psychoeducational and skills-based groups related to parenting, family support, and healthy living.
• Assists parents in navigating IEP/504 processes, behavioral health systems, and available community resources.
• Ensures 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.
• Supports 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.
• Documents all services in accordance with KDADS Parent Peer Support guidelines, Medicaid billing requirements, and Saint Francis policies.
• Is knowledgeable of and follows all safety procedures.
• Implements SFM policies and follows directives as required. Follows all SFM Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), personnel policies, accreditation/licensure standards, and federal, state, and local contract requirements.
• Participates in required KDADS trainings, including Level 1 Parent Peer Support training, IEP training, and Level 2 certification when eligible.
• Participates in required PAX tool training.
• Maintains appropriate professional boundaries and practices trauma-informed care.

Requirements:

• 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.