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 our programs that include reentry and housing, youth initiatives, a nationally recognized Prison Arts Program, and holistic alternatives to incarceration, we provide a long-term impact that positively transforms individuals and society at large. Annually serving over 4,000 individuals throughout Connecticut, our work is possible due to partnerships with and support from individuals, government, private funders, organizations, and businesses.

Join a mission-driven organization committed to second chances, equity, and positive change. We offer a supportive work environment, competitive benefits, generous paid time off, and opportunities to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

The REGIONS Secure Site Program is a 16-bed secure residential treatment program for adolescent males involved in the juvenile justice system. The program provides a safe, structured, and therapeutic environment that is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, strengths-based, and relationship-focused. Through evidence-based interventions and individualized treatment planning, youth are supported in developing positive coping skills, improving emotional regulation, building healthy relationships, and successfully reintegrating into their communities.

The program serves youth with significant behavioral health and criminogenic needs, including histories of serious offending, violence, and chronic involvement in the juvenile justice system. Many youth have experienced trauma, demonstrated limited engagement in prior treatment services, and may present a risk to public safety. Staff are provided with comprehensive training and support to safely manage crisis situations and promote a therapeutic environment. Exposure to communicable illnesses is possible in a residential care setting. The program's goal is to reduce recidivism, enhance individual accountability, and help youth develop the skills necessary for long-term success.

· At time of referral, collaborate with Reintegration Mentor and Clinician to engage the youth, family and community resources in preparation for program admission.

· Support the family’s ability to participate in the treatment of their child by helping them to 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 that are responsive to the unique needs of each youth/family and will:

o Ensure families are visiting with their children,

o Ensure families are engaging in treatment sessions and team meetings,

o Ensure families are developing self-advocacy skills,

o Increase family satisfaction with their child’s treatment and education, and

o Reduce recidivism.

· Participate as a member of the treatment team and help to facilitate family participation. Participate in monthly ITP and, as appropriate, weekly MDT meetings.

· Share the “family perspective” with program staff and administrators, including barriers affecting the youth and family.

· In partnership with the Reintegration Mentor and Clinician, solicit feedback from the families about program improvements, suggestions for further engagement and the overall experience.

· In partnership with the Reintegration Mentor, assist the family and Juvenile Probation Officer with the transition to community after-care services.

· Analyze and evaluate the accomplishment of program objectives.

· Perform quality assurance audits to ensure compliance with applicable standards.

· Comply with all funding and reporting requirements.

· Establish and maintain professional boundaries with all staff, youth and providers.

· Serve as a role model to youth and staff modeling pro-social behaviors.

· As necessary, utilize approved verbal and/or physical de-escalation techniques to eliminate youth’s harm to self, harm to others, significant property/program destruction and escape, maintaining communication with necessary parties.

· Work collaboratively with internal and external providers.

· Participate in all required trainings.

· Perform all other duties assigned.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma/GED or higher with lived experience and at least two years’ experience directly working with system-involved families. Certified peer specialist preferred. Understanding and knowledge of gender specific, trauma-informed, culturally responsive and linguistically appropriate issues and needs; knowledge of behavior motivation and psychosocial interventions; knowledge of child psychology and development. Strong emotional intelligence; ability to interact with multi-cultural populations; leadership, decision making, communication, interpersonal and organizational/ prioritization skills, adaptability, flexibility and resourcefulness. Must share the belief that people can change and individuals in need deserve quality services and an opportunity to succeed. Familiarity with relevant state and federal laws.

Applicants must have a valid Connecticut driver's license, reliable transportation, and the ability to transport youth as required. Employees are required to complete a comprehensive 120-hour training program during their first year of employment and a minimum of 40 hours of annual training thereafter. Training topics include Safe Crisis Management, CPR/First Aid, Suicide Prevention, PREA, Ethics and Boundaries, Mandated Reporting, and other job-related areas. Employment in this position is contingent upon successfully completing and passing the required 4-day Safe Crisis Management (SCM) physical and verbal de-escalation training within the first month of employment.

Requires flexible schedule including evening and weekend coverage. Candidates with lived experience are encouraged to apply.

An Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Affirmative Action