Family Support Specialist (FT, Day, 7am-7:30pm, every other weekend)

About the Role

Connections Health Solutions is a leading provider of immediate‑access behavioral health crisis care. Founded by emergency‑room psychiatrists, the physician‑led, data‑driven model combines medical and recovery‑oriented treatment to stabilize individuals in crisis and connect them to community‑based resources for ongoing recovery. The organization is recognized as a national best practice by SAMHSA and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Its values emphasize acceptance, hope, intentionality, teamwork, and innovation.

Responsibilities

• Provide family‑centered, peer‑informed support to youth and caregivers in walk‑in, observation, and Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) programs.
• Build trust, offer hope, and help families feel supported during times of crisis.
• Collaborate with the clinical care team to help families navigate the behavioral health system, identify resources, strengthen advocacy and communication skills, and prepare for successful transitions.
• Serve as a bridge between families, the care team, and community resources, using lived experience to promote family engagement, reduce barriers to care, and support youth and families throughout their experience.
• Identify family needs and barriers, connecting families with appropriate resources and supports to ensure continuity of care.
• Act 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 each family’s needs.
• 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 individual’s diagnosis, developmental stage, or family needs.
• Draw on personal or lived 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 or youth.
• 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.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• 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 (required).
• One (1) year of experience in behavioral health, human services, or family support (required).
• Ability to appropriately use lived experience to support, educate, advocate for, and connect with other families.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, detail orientation, and comfort working with computers and documentation systems.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification must be obtained within seven days of hire.
• Basic computer literacy, including ability to document in an Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Ability to perform Safe Clinch.
• Successful completion of background checks: Child Abuse Clearance, FBI Criminal Background Check, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, and required medical screenings (physical, TB, drug test).
• Mandatory vaccination policy: fully vaccinated (or exempt per company process) and flu shot or exemption requiring masking during flu season.

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of experience supporting individuals and/or families in behavioral health, human services, peer support, advocacy, community services, or a related setting.
• 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.
• Familiarity with community‑based mental health resources, including ability to assess family needs, provide accurate referrals, and guide families in accessing appropriate support.
• Trauma‑Informed Care training and ability to engage families experiencing acute stress, trauma, or behavioral crises.
• Three (3) or more years of experience working with psychiatric or medical populations in outpatient, inpatient, or residential settings.

Pay

• Additional hourly pay: +$2/hr for Monday‑Thursday nights.
• Additional hourly pay: +$3/hr for Friday‑Sunday nights.
• Additional hourly pay: +$2/hr for Saturday‑Sunday days.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health insurance for employees and families, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity.
• Company‑paid Basic Life, AD&D, Short‑Term Disability, and Long‑Term Disability.
• Voluntary life insurance option for employees and families.
• Health Savings Accounts with employer contribution of $1,000–$2,000 depending on plan.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care).
• 401(k) company match after 6 months (50% of employee deferrals up to 6% of compensation).
• Generous PTO starting at 160 hours accrued annually plus 12