Family Support Specialist
One of the oldest organizations of its kind in the country, Community Partners in Action (CPA) was founded nearly 150 years ago to champion criminal justice reform and advocate for preserving the dignity of those in and out of prison. Through programs that include reentry and housing, youth initiatives, a nationally recognized Prison Arts Program, and holistic alternatives to incarceration, CPA provides a long-term impact that positively transforms individuals and society. Annually serving over 4,000 individuals throughout Connecticut, CPA is guided by its BEDI (Belonging, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) culture and is committed to building an inclusive, equitable workplace while addressing racial inequities in the criminal justice system.
About the Program
The REGIONS Site Secure Program is a secure residential treatment program for up to 16 male youth. The mission is to provide a home-like, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, gender-specific, linguistically appropriate, strengths-based, and relationship-driven environment to improve the social, physical, and emotional well-being of youth. The vision is to therapeutically intervene in the cycle of offending, reduce risk factors, and prevent transition into the adult justice system.
The treatment philosophy is individualized, focusing on helping youth develop a positive self-image, effective coping skills, confidence, positive relationships, and behavioral changes to re-enter their communities successfully. Youth in this program typically have a history of violence, significant risk for future violence, and complex needs that are challenging to treat. They may exhibit escalating antisocial behavior and high AWOL risk, with potential for violent offenses if they elope.
Responsibilities
- Collaborate with the Reintegration Mentor and Clinician at the time of referral to engage youth, family, and community resources in preparation for program admission.
- Support families in participating in their child’s treatment by helping them create a support network.
- Serve as a role model, treating each family with dignity and respect while promoting hope and teaching self-advocacy.
- Develop and implement family engagement and empowerment strategies tailored to the unique needs of each youth and family to:
- Ensure families visit with their children.
- Ensure families engage in treatment sessions and team meetings.
- Ensure families develop self-advocacy skills.
- Increase family satisfaction with their child’s treatment and education.
- Reduce recidivism.
Requirements
- High school diploma/GED or higher; lived experience preferred.
- At least two years of experience directly working with system-involved families.
- Certified peer specialist preferred.
- Understanding of gender-specific, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and linguistically appropriate issues.
- Knowledge of behavior motivation, psychosocial interventions, child psychology, and development.
- Strong emotional intelligence and ability to interact with multicultural populations.
- Leadership, decision-making, communication, interpersonal, organizational, prioritization, adaptability, flexibility, and resourcefulness skills.
- Belief in the capacity for change and commitment to providing quality services to individuals in need.
- Familiarity with relevant state and federal laws.
- Valid CT driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to transport youth to appointments, family visits, and home passes.
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
- Flexible schedule, including evening and weekend coverage.
- Candidates with lived experience are encouraged to apply.
Training and Work Environment
- Complete and pass a mandatory 120-hour training curriculum within the first year of employment (conducted during standard hours, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
- Complete a minimum of 40 hours of annual training thereafter, including:
- Ethics and Boundaries
- Suicide Prevention
- First Aid / CPR / AED
- Safe Crisis Management (verbal de-escalation and physical restraint techniques)
- PREA (Prison Rape Elimination Act)
- DCF Mandated Reporting
- Additional trainings relevant to assigned job functions
- Potential exposure to assaultive or abusive behavior from youth and risk of injury.
- Possible exposure to communicable diseases due to the nature of the work.
Pay
$28.24 per hour
Schedule
Tuesday–Wednesday: 12:00 PM–8:00 PM
Thursday–Saturday: 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Sunday–Monday: Off