WISe Family Partner

Akin partners with children, families, and communities to build relationships and support well-being so everyone can thrive. Through our early learning programs, we create inclusive, nurturing environments where children feel safe, supported, and inspired to learn.

POSITION SUMMARY

The WISe Family Partner uses their own experiences as the parent/caregiver of a child who has experienced trauma and/or significant emotional/behavioral issues, and involvement in one or more child serving systems, to deliver direct supportive services to parents/caregivers of a child referred to or receiving wraparound services. The WISe Family Partner ensures that parent/caregiver/family voice and choice is understood and used by other wraparound team members; connects families to supports and resources within their community and engages family in the wraparound process. Advocates for family needs within the team and community; provides services in client homes, schools or other convenient community locations. This position has access to protected healthcare information (PHI) or confidential identifiable information (CII), both paper and electronic, as necessary, to perform related job duties and responsibilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Amplify Family Voice & Choice Ensure the voice and choice of each parent or guardian is articulated, respected, and honored throughout every phase of the WISe process Work alongside parents and guardians who may feel uncertain or underqualified, building their confidence to assertively describe their perspectives on their child’s strengths and needs Ensure family hopes, concerns, and goals are captured respectfully in the Cross-System Care Plan (CSCP) and the Child and Adolescent Needs and Strengths (CANS) tool Assess and review the family’s ability to communicate their own position and preferences, and actively support their participation in care planning Advocate, support, and encourage caregivers to voice their needs, concerns, and strengths within the team and broader community Building Trust & Relationship Meets with families regularly, communicating compassion, support, respect, and enthusiasm for their progress Listen to each family’s story and, with them, identify their strengths, needs, preferences, and goals Draw on your own lived experience as a parent or caregiver to build rapport, establish trust, and co-create meaningful strategies Work with families to identify and engage natural supports in the wraparound process Coaching, Education, & Skill Building Coach and educate families to build communication, system navigation, and self-regulation skills that help them take effective advantage of treatment while honoring their personal goals Model effective system, service, and team interactions and behavior Share de‑escalation strategies for parents (for themselves and their children) during crises, developed and implemented collaboratively with the whole team Coordinate parent coaching and strategies with the clinician and other team members Model and coach families to grow their confidence and ability to advocate for and manage services and supports for their own family System Navigation & Resource Connection Assist caregivers in navigating systems and resources by drawing on lived experience and practical strategies for working across different systems Participate in Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings in family homes and the community, providing parenting support, sharing information about community resources, and assisting families in linking to those resources Brainstorm and negotiate strategies that build on family strengths and connect them to the right support Help families analyze their progress toward goals and encourage their feedback to other team members Participate in rotating after‑hours crisis on‑call coverage, providing timely response and support to youth and families outside of regular business hours Collaborate with CFT members and complete assigned tasks on the care plan relevant to this role Communicate with the team about progress and completion of assigned tasks Provide a range of supportive interventions and activities as agreed with the family and documented in the cross-system care plan Maintain productivity standards for direct service as established for the position Ensure timely collection of statistical information for funding sources and program evaluations Ensure compliance with all Akin policies, applicable contracts, and Federal, State, and local confidentiality requirements Perform documentation reviews and self‑audits as required by the WISe supervisor and/or Manager or as needs arise Participate in scheduled supervision, team meetings, and administrative meetings; utilize reflective supervision to support professional growth and quality client care Remain current with all professional development and licensure requirements

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Lived experience as a parent/caregiver to a child who has experienced trauma and/or significant emotional or behavioral challenges, with involvement in at least one child‑serving system (e.g., special education, early intervention, child welfare) A track record of positive child and family outcomes drawn from that experience Ability to connect authentically with families who may feel marginalized or overwhelmed, and to help them find and use their voice Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook and Word; strong typing skills Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and belonging; demonstrated openness to learning and contributing to an equitable workplace

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

This position requires flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends to accommodate families’ needs Services are performed throughout the community including in family homes, schools, and Akin offices.

HYBRID WORK ARRANGEMENTS

Hybrid work is a benefit of Akin’s flexible workplace but cannot be offered for all positions. Some positions require daily presence in the office. Hybrid work arrangements may be adjusted or rescinded based upon business needs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the essential duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard; occasionally to reach, stoop and kneel Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work Regular, predictable attendance is required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Have or obtain the Peer Counselor Certification from the State of Washington within 6 months of hire (Akin will support with the process to obtain this certification) Proof of CPR and First Aid Certification is required within 30 days A one‑step Mantoux TB skin test prior to start of employment. For those who have previously tested positive, documented proof of treatment from a doctor, or a negative chest x‑ray must be provided HIV/AIDS and blood borne pathogens training required within 30 days A valid driver’s license and a favorable driving record, with no more than three violations within the past three years

PREFFERED QUALIFICATIONS

Prior experience in a peer support role

SALARY RANGE AND BENEFITS

We provide a comprehensive benefits package, including competitive pay, medical, dental and retirement benefits and paid time off. As required by various pay transparency laws, we share a competitive range of compensation for candidates hired into each position. The target starting pay for this position is $23.636 - $27.7685 per hour, typically within the first half of these ranges. Actual offers will be based on individual qualifications relevant to the role and will not take an applicant’s pay history into account. The range above allows our employees room for growth during their tenure in the position.

WHY JOIN AKIN

Make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families Access ongoing professional development and growth opportunities Be part of a team committed to inclusion, belonging, and community

COMMITMENT TO EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Akin is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage individuals who bring lived experience and diverse perspectives to apply. Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. #J-18808-Ljbffr Akin