Family Peer Support Worker Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-evolving world of family support work, the role of Family Peer Support Workers is becoming increasingly significant.

As societal dynamics progress, the demand for dedicated professionals who can guide, assist, and advocate for families navigating through various challenges grows stronger.

But what are the real expectations from a Family Peer Support Worker?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the heart of this role,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricate duties of family peer support work,

You’ve found the right resource.

Today, we present a customizable Family Peer Support Worker job description template, crafted for effortless posting on job boards or career websites.

Let’s dive right in.

Family Peer Support Worker Duties and Responsibilities

Family Peer Support Workers provide assistance and support to families who are dealing with various challenges.

They use their personal experience and empathy to provide understanding and advice, fostering resilience and overall wellbeing.

Their roles and responsibilities include:

• Provide emotional support to families during difficult times
• Help families navigate through social services systems and resources
• Share personal experiences to provide guidance and insights
• Develop and implement support plans catered to each family’s needs
• Facilitate and co-facilitate support groups and educational sessions
• Maintain confidentiality and respect for each family’s experiences
• Advocate for the rights and needs of families within the community and social service systems
• Assist families in developing self-advocacy skills
• Connect families to resources and services within the community
• Maintain accurate and timely records of interactions and progress

 

Family Peer Support Worker Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and empathetic Family Peer Support Worker to provide aid and resources to families in crisis.

The Family Peer Support Worker will use their personal experience and knowledge to provide emotional support, practical assistance and refer services to families dealing with various challenges.

Our ideal candidate has first-hand experience of the issues our clients face, whether through their own experience or supporting a family member.

They will need to be a great listener, have excellent interpersonal skills, and be able to cope with emotional situations.

Ultimately, the role of the Family Peer Support Worker is to build trust with families and support them through difficult times, providing them with the tools and resources they need to cope and thrive.

 

Responsibilities

• Providing emotional support to families in crisis
• Assisting families in finding and accessing appropriate services
• Sharing personal experiences to provide hope and encouragement
• Helping families develop coping strategies
• Offering practical assistance, such as help with paperwork or navigating systems
• Advocating for families within the service system
• Maintaining confidentiality and respecting clients’ rights
• Documenting interactions and progress
• Participating in team meetings and professional development activities
• Adhering to professional standards and ethical guidelines

 

Qualifications

• Experience as a peer support worker or in a similar role
• First-hand experience with the issues our clients face
• Excellent listening and interpersonal skills
• Ability to cope with emotional situations
• Understanding of confidentiality and client rights
• Knowledge of relevant services and resources
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• High school diploma or equivalent; further education in social work or a related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Training opportunities
• Supportive work environment

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Family Peer Support Worker
• Work Environment: Office setting, client homes, and community locations. Travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Family Services Coordinator or Program Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• 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 Worker Do?

Family Peer Support Workers provide emotional and practical support to individuals and families facing various challenges.

They typically work for non-profit organizations, community outreach programs, or healthcare facilities.

They play a critical role in helping families navigate through various systems such as healthcare, education, or social services, providing necessary information, guidance, and advocacy.

Their job involves lending an empathetic ear to families and individuals, and sharing their own experiences to provide hope and practical strategies.

Family Peer Support Workers facilitate connections to community resources, provide crisis intervention when necessary, and assist with problem-solving and skill-building.

They often work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside social workers, therapists, or case managers.

They may also facilitate or co-facilitate support groups, workshops, or informational sessions for families.

The aim of a Family Peer Support Worker is to empower families and individuals, by providing the support and resources necessary to cope with their circumstances, and strengthen their capacity for self-help.

 

Family Peer Support Worker Qualifications and Skills

A Family Peer Support Worker should have the skills and qualifications that align with the following job description:

• Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with families, providing them with support, encouragement, and advice on handling difficult situations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build trust, empathy, and meaningful relationships with family members dealing with various challenges.
• Experience in providing peer support, preferably in the mental health or substance use field, providing a unique perspective and understanding of the challenges faced by families.
• Understanding of community resources to guide families to appropriate services and support, including housing, healthcare, employment, and education opportunities.
• Active listening skills to understand the needs, emotions, and goals of family members, and to provide appropriate feedback and guidance.
• Problem-solving abilities to help families navigate complex systems and situations, and to develop effective coping strategies.
• Resilience and patience, as the role often involves working with individuals and families in crisis or facing significant life challenges.
• Knowledge and understanding of cultural and socioeconomic diversity, and the ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds.

 

Family Peer Support Worker Experience Requirements

Family Peer Support Workers often come from diverse backgrounds.

However, relevant experience in the field of social services, mental health or a related field is often a requirement.

This could be in the form of formal employment, internships, volunteering, or even personal experience navigating the health or human services system on behalf of a family member.

For entry-level positions, a minimum of 1 to 2 years of experience is often required.

This experience might be in mental health advocacy, supportive counseling, or case management, for example.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience typically possess deeper knowledge of community resources, have developed strong advocacy skills and have gained experience in coordinating services for families.

They may also have experience in facilitating support groups or workshops.

Those with over 5 years of experience often possess leadership qualities, and may have experience in training, supervising or mentoring other Family Peer Support Workers.

They may also have experience working in program development, evaluation, and policy advocacy.

In all cases, lived experience of supporting a child or family member through mental health, addiction, or other health-related challenges is highly valued, as this provides a unique ability to empathize with and understand the families they support.

In addition to experience, training in areas such as Mental Health First Aid, Trauma-Informed Care, or Family Peer Support can be beneficial.

Continuous professional development is important in this field as well, to stay informed about best practices and new approaches in peer support.

 

Family Peer Support Worker Education and Training Requirements

Family Peer Support Workers typically need a high school diploma or equivalent education.

Some roles may prefer or require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, psychology, or a related field.

They generally require experience in navigating the child-serving systems (like mental health, juvenile justice, child welfare, special education, etc.) and personal experience as a caregiver of a child with emotional, behavioral, mental health, or developmental challenges.

To be effective in their role, Family Peer Support Workers should also have strong communication and interpersonal skills.

They also need to be empathetic and patient as they will be dealing with individuals who might be going through difficult periods in their lives.

Some states or organizations may require Family Peer Support Workers to complete specific training programs and obtain certification.

These training programs typically focus on how to provide emotional and informational support to families, advocacy, connecting families with resources, and maintaining confidentiality.

Continuing education is also beneficial in this role to stay updated with the latest support strategies and resources.

This could involve workshops, webinars, or courses related to family support, mental health, and social work.

Finally, Family Peer Support Workers should have a commitment to upholding ethical standards and respecting the rights and dignity of the families they serve.

 

Family Peer Support Worker Salary Expectations

A Family Peer Support Worker earns an average salary of $37,000 (USD) per year.

However, this wage may fluctuate based on a variety of factors including experience, geographic location, and the specifics of the hiring organization.

 

Family Peer Support Worker Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Family Peer Support Worker need?

Family Peer Support Workers should possess excellent communication and active listening skills to understand the needs and challenges of the families they work with.

They should also have empathy, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude.

Problem-solving skills and the ability to manage crisis situations are crucial.

Knowledge of community resources and the ability to navigate complex social systems is also beneficial.

 

Do Family Peer Support Workers need a degree?

A degree is not always required for a Family Peer Support Worker, but it can be beneficial.

Many positions require a high school diploma or equivalent, with some employers preferring candidates with degrees in social work, psychology, or a related field.

The most critical requirement for this role is often personal experience with the same issues facing the families they serve.

 

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

A Family Peer Support Worker’s resume should highlight their personal experience with the issues facing the families they serve, such as mental health issues, addiction, or navigating social services.

In addition to this lived experience, look for training or certification in peer support, crisis intervention, or related areas.

Experience in a helping profession or a volunteer capacity is also a plus.

 

What qualities make a good Family Peer Support Worker?

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

They should have excellent communication skills and the ability to provide emotional support to families in crisis.

They should be able to build trust and rapport with families, respect confidentiality, and maintain professional boundaries.

Patience, resilience, and a positive outlook are also important qualities.

 

Is it difficult to hire Family Peer Support Workers?

Hiring Family Peer Support Workers can be challenging as it requires finding individuals with the right combination of personal experience, professional skills, and emotional resilience.

However, many people with lived experience are motivated to give back and help others, making them excellent candidates for these roles.

They may need training and support to develop their professional skills, but their personal experience provides a unique and valuable perspective.

 

Conclusion

So, there we have it.

Today, we’ve unpacked the realities of being a family peer support worker.

Surprise! It’s not just about lending a listening ear.

It’s about shaping healthier, happier families, one conversation at a time.

With our comprehensive family peer support worker job description template and practical examples, you’re ready to take a leap.

But let’s take it one step further, shall we?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your key to meticulously crafted job listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Each conversation is a key piece in the grand puzzle.

Let’s build stronger families. Together.

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