Youth and Family Support Specialist - I

Overview

Youth and Family Support Specialist I

YOU, Inc., an Affiliate of Seven Hills Foundation

YOU Inc. is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Youth and Family Support Specialist I to provide in-home and community-based services to youth and families involved with the Department of Children and Families (DCF). This peer specialist role is ideal for individuals with relevant lived experience who are passionate about supporting families facing complex challenges such as poverty, mental health issues, domestic violence, and more. Services are delivered flexibly to meet the unique needs of each family, with a focus on safety, permanency, and well-being.

Pay: $25.25/hour

Benefits For Full-Time Employees:

• Health Insurance: Offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield, with generous company contribution.
• Enhanced Retirement Plan: 25% - 33% Employer match based on tenure. 
• Student Loan Assistance: Consolidation, counseling, & limited employer contribution!
• Discounted Tuition with College & University Partnerships!
• Tuition Assistance: Reimbursed or prepaid college coursework!
• Home Mortgage Initiative: Favorable down payment (3-5%), reduced closing costs co-paid by Seven Hills!

Work-Life Balance:

• Generous Accrued Paid Vacation: 3 weeks in your first year!
• Vacation Cash-Out Option
• 3 Paid Personal Days
• 11 Paid Holidays 
• Accrued Paid Sick Time

Responsibilities

• Use lived experience to support families in building capacity to keep children safe and stable
• Deliver services using Motivational Interviewing and trauma-informed approaches
• Facilitate family engagement and support children’s well-being through recreational and creative activities
• Assist caregivers in preparing for reunification or placement transitions
• Participate in ISP and IEP meetings and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams
• Maintain accurate documentation in electronic health records and state systems
• Communicate regularly with DCF case workers and supervisors
• Attend staff meetings, supervision, and training sessions
• Ensure culturally responsive, linguistically appropriate, and flexible service delivery

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Education: No formal education requirements
• Experience: 1–3 years of related experience preferred
• Driver’s License: Standard Class C or D license required
• Other Qualifications:
• Relevant lived experience in areas such as child welfare, mental health, disability, LGBTQIA+ identity, homelessness, domestic violence, or kinship caregiving
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends
• Must pass CORI, SORI, driving record checks, and DCF background check
• Familiarity with Massachusetts child welfare system preferred

Skills And Knowledge:

• Strong communication and documentation skills
• Cultural competence and family-centered care
• Relationship building and conflict resolution
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and honoring lived experience
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Why Join YOU Inc.?At YOU Inc., we believe in the power of lived experience and community connection. As a Youth and Family Support Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in helping families heal, grow, and thrive. Join a team that values empathy, resilience, and meaningful impact.

Ready to Make a Difference?Apply today to lead transformative outpatient behavioral health services that make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and families.