Family Peer Support Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In today’s dynamic social environment, the importance of Family Peer Support Specialists has never been more significant.

As families navigate complex systems, the demand for compassionate individuals who can guide, support, and advocate for families in similar situations grows stronger.

But what exactly is expected from a Family Peer Support Specialist?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect job profile,
• Or simply interested in the critical role of family peer support,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Family Peer Support Specialist job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive in.

Family Peer Support Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Family Peer Support Specialists provide guidance and support to families who are dealing with mental health issues, substance abuse, or other challenging situations.

They use their personal experiences and training to create an environment of understanding and empathy.

Their main duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide peer-to-peer support services to families dealing with various challenges
• Share personal experiences and coping strategies to inspire and motivate families
• Assist families in navigating mental health or substance abuse treatment systems
• Connect families with appropriate community resources and services
• Facilitate group sessions and discussions for families dealing with similar issues
• Help families develop and implement individualized recovery or action plans
• Maintain confidentiality and respect clients’ rights and experiences
• Coordinate care with other service providers and advocate for the needs and rights of clients
• Document and monitor the progress of families and provide feedback
• Participate in ongoing training and professional development activities to stay updated on best practices and new developments in the field

 

Family Peer Support Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Family Peer Support Specialist to join our team.

The Family Peer Support Specialist will provide support to families undergoing stressful situations, using their own lived experience to provide empathy, insight, and practical help.

Your primary role will be to empower parents and caregivers, helping them navigate challenges and build resilience.

Our ideal candidate is someone who has personal experience with mental health or substance abuse challenges within their own family and has successfully navigated the system.

 

Responsibilities

• Offer peer support and encouragement to families facing mental health or substance abuse challenges.
• Assist families in understanding and navigating social, educational, and medical systems.
• Facilitate group meetings and workshops for families.
• Collaborate with therapists, social workers, and other professionals to support family needs.
• Develop and implement individualized plans for family support.
• Identify community resources and services that can assist families.
• Document interactions and interventions for record-keeping and follow-up.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of client information.

 

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent. Some college education in Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience with mental health or substance abuse challenges within own family.
• Strong understanding of the social service system and community resources.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to empathize and share personal experiences in a way that supports others.
• Completion of a certified Peer Specialist Training program is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Family Peer Support Specialist
• Work Environment: This role is primarily conducted in an office setting, with regular travel to clients’ homes or community locations for meetings. Some evening and weekend work may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Family Support Services Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $35,000 minimum to $45,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Family Peer Support Specialist Do?

Family Peer Support Specialists typically work in various healthcare or social work settings where they help families navigate through the complexities of mental health and addiction recovery programs.

They may also work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or as independent consultants.

As individuals with lived experience of dealing with mental health or addiction issues, either personally or within their own families, they provide empathetic and informed support to others going through similar experiences.

Their key responsibility includes offering emotional and informational support to family members, helping them understand the nature of their loved one’s conditions, and guiding them about the available treatment options and recovery paths.

Family Peer Support Specialists also act as a bridge between families and healthcare providers, helping to communicate the family’s concerns, needs, and hopes to the care team, and facilitating family involvement in the treatment and recovery process.

Another significant part of their job involves advocating for families within the mental health and addiction recovery system, ensuring that their voices are heard, and their rights are protected.

Finally, Family Peer Support Specialists work to empower families, helping them build resilience and develop coping strategies, while also connecting them to resources and supportive communities that can aid in the recovery journey.

 

Family Peer Support Specialist Qualifications and Skills

Family Peer Support Specialists utilize a combination of personal experience, empathy, professional training, and interpersonal skills to support families going through similar situations.

The required skills and qualifications for this role include:

• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with families in a respectful and sensitive manner.
• Communication skills to listen to family concerns, articulate ideas effectively, and guide families towards helpful resources.
• Personal experience with navigating family services and/or child-serving systems, providing a unique understanding and empathy towards families facing similar challenges.
• Ability to facilitate group discussions and encourage peer-to-peer interaction and support among family members.
• Crisis management skills to respond effectively to stressful situations and provide immediate support to families in crisis.
• Knowledge of community resources and social services to guide families to the appropriate services based on their unique needs and circumstances.
• Patience and understanding to deal with complex family dynamics and challenging situations.
• Problem-solving abilities to help families develop coping strategies and work through their issues.
• Confidentiality and respect for privacy, as they will be dealing with sensitive personal information.

 

Family Peer Support Specialist Experience Requirements

Family Peer Support Specialists typically require at least two years of lived experience navigating the mental health, substance abuse, and/or foster care systems as a parent or primary caregiver.

These individuals often have personal experience with the challenges and nuances of raising a child with emotional, behavioral, or mental health issues.

This lived experience is invaluable as it fosters empathy and understanding towards those they are supporting.

Many Family Peer Support Specialists also gain experience through volunteer work, self-help groups, or non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting families dealing with mental health or substance abuse issues.

Candidates may also require formal training, certification, or a diploma in fields like social work, counseling, psychology, or related fields.

This education can enhance their experience and equip them with the skills needed to provide effective and professional support to families.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have worked in a leadership or supervisory role, providing them with the skills necessary to train and mentor new Family Peer Support Specialists.

They may also have experience facilitating support groups, family programs, or workshops.

 

Family Peer Support Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Family Peer Support Specialists typically have a high school diploma or equivalent.

However, many employers prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field such as social work, human services, or psychology.

These specialists need to have firsthand experience as a primary caregiver to a child with significant mental, emotional, or behavioral health needs.

This lived experience is crucial as it enables them to relate to and support other families in similar situations.

Family Peer Support Specialists also need to complete a state-approved training program that provides the skills and knowledge needed to effectively support families.

These programs often cover topics such as communication, advocacy, problem-solving, and resilience.

Most states require Family Peer Support Specialists to become certified.

Certification requirements typically include completion of an approved training program, passage of a certification exam, and a certain amount of supervised work experience.

Continuing education is also important in this role.

As research and best practices evolve, Family Peer Support Specialists need to stay updated through workshops, webinars, and other professional development opportunities.

Some states may require a specific number of continuing education hours for recertification.

 

Family Peer Support Specialist Salary Expectations

A Family Peer Support Specialist earns an average salary of $37,930 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary depending on the individual’s experience, level of education, location, and the organization they work for.

 

Family Peer Support Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Family Peer Support Specialist need?

A Family Peer Support Specialist should have strong communication and interpersonal skills to connect with families and understand their needs.

They should also possess empathetic listening skills, as well as the ability to manage stress and maintain professional boundaries.

Knowledge of community resources and the ability to navigate social services systems is also important.

 

Do Family Peer Support Specialists need a degree?

While a degree is not necessarily required for this position, it can be beneficial.

Typically, a high school diploma or equivalent is required, but some employers might prefer candidates with a degree in social work, psychology, or a related field.

The most crucial requirement is lived experience, as these specialists must be able to relate to the families they support based on their own experiences.

 

What should you look for in a Family Peer Support Specialist resume?

Look for experience in counseling, social work or related fields.

Any indication of personal experience with the situations facing the families they will be assisting is also crucial.

Additionally, certification as a Family Peer Support Specialist, if available in your state, should be present on a candidate’s resume.

 

What qualities make a good Family Peer Support Specialist?

A good Family Peer Support Specialist is compassionate, empathetic, and understanding.

They must be patient and good listeners, as families will share personal and often distressing details.

Resilience is also key, as the role can be emotionally taxing.

Lastly, good Family Peer Support Specialists are resourceful, always ready to connect families with helpful services and resources.

 

What is the difference between a Family Peer Support Specialist and a Family Therapist?

While both roles offer support to families in distress, a Family Peer Support Specialist is distinct because of their lived experience.

They have personally encountered similar struggles to those they support, allowing them to offer unique empathy and understanding.

A Family Therapist, on the other hand, is a licensed professional who uses therapeutic strategies and techniques to help families overcome their challenges.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unmasked the true essence of being a Family Peer Support Specialist.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not only about providing support.

It’s about building resilient families, one interaction at a time.

With our reliable Family Peer Support Specialist job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to make your move.

But don’t stop now.

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your stepping stone to skillfully created listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every interaction is a step towards a stronger family unit.

Let’s foster that growth. Together.

How to Become a Family Peer Support Specialist (Complete Guide)

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