Families Together Parent Peer Specialist

About the role

Lutheran Social Services of Illinois (LSSI) is seeking a full-time Parent Peer Specialist to join our team. This position works under the supervision of the Parent Specialist to provide immediate engagement with parents, support them in reunifying families, and maintain ongoing parent support.

Responsibilities

• Provides immediate engagement with parents to assess and support them in reunifying the family.
• Participates in developing an individualized whole family treatment plan, in conjunction with the Family Team, child and family.
• Recruits for, organizes, and leads GenerationPMTO groups, ensuring that each parent engages in the groups, learns new skills, and incorporates the practices with their family.
• Sets up, coaches, and supervises, when needed, ongoing contact and visits between the parent and their child(ren), including virtual calls, in-person activities, and regular parenting tasks like school and medical appointments.
• Organizes and leads ongoing support groups.
• Completes and submits all required reports, tracking information and documentation accurately and timely as required by the agency and funding sources.
• Demonstrate professional, positive behavior and carry out responsibilities with integrity, treating clients, families, other LSSI workforce members, and collaborative organizations or individuals in a dignified, respectful, honest, and fair manner.

Requirements

• A high school diploma or equivalent required.
• An associate’s degree in human services or a related field preferred.
• Certified in GenerationPMTO or available to participate in GenerationPMTO training and certification.
• Real-life experience with the child welfare system and/or parenting experience.
• Demonstrated ability to engage parents, including organizing and leading groups, both in person and via virtual platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in a clear, comprehensible manner, verbally and written.
• Excellent organization, presentation, and PC/computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office (Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other related software.

Qualifications

• Background check clearance, both criminal and CANTS required.
• Valid driver’s license, in good standing for the state of residency required.
• Access to reliable transportation required.
• Valid IL statutory minimum liability insurance coverage, bodily injury and property damage required.

Benefits and Perks

• On-demand flexible paydays through an app called Dayforce Wallet.
• Competitive salary based on relevant education, experience, and licensure ($15-$18/hour).
• Opportunity for advancement.
• Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees includes healthcare insurance, up to 26 days of paid time off per calendar year, 11 paid holidays, sick time, 403(b) plan, Employee Assistance Program, and flexible hours.
• The paid training you need to learn, grow, and succeed!