Family Partner

Wayside-Youth-; Lowell (MA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Tuition reimbursement

Training reimbursement

PTO

Paid holidays

Vacation days

Job summary

Wayside in Lowell, MA is seeking a Family Partner – Community Based to provide support to parents and caregivers of youth with emotional/behavioral health needs. You will offer information, encouragement, and one-to-one assistance to families and help plan for the child’s strengths and needs.

The role requires a high school diploma, lived experience as a parent of a youth in the mental health system, and driving in the community.

Qualifications

• Lived experience as a parent/primary caregiver of a youth who is/has been involved in the Mental Health System.
• Strong communication skills and ability to engage with diverse families.
• Ability to work independently and drive in the community.

Responsibilities

• The Family Partner provides hope, information, encouragement, and one-to-one support to parents/caregivers of children with emotional/behavioral health issues.
• Assists caregivers in planning for the strengths and needs of their child.
• Help parents/caregivers access resources, services and support.
• Team up and consult with providers and parents/caregivers about how to best meet the needs of youth with mental health concerns.

Skills

Talent connecting with people

Strong communication skills

Flexibility and creative thinking

Works well independently

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Posted Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 4:00 AM

Show your passion by empowering youth and families when joining the Wayside team!

Wayside is one of Massachusetts' most respected youth and family-serving agencies, supporting more than 6,000 youth and families annually across Central, Eastern, and Northeastern regions.

We invest in our employees' wellness with comprehensive benefits, including tuition and training reimbursement, a PTO package with 3 wellness days, 9 paid holidays, and up to 3 weeks of vacation in the first year. Enjoy a learning environment with free training, CEUs, and more, along with exceptional medical benefits, financial health supports, and career development opportunities.

Sign-on bonus: $2,000.00 (pro-rated for part-time)

Family Partner – Community Based

Lowell

Salary: $22.00 - 25.50/hour depending on experience + sign - on bonus (half paid after 6 months of employment and half paid after 1 year of employment/pro-rated for part-time).

Wayside’s isseeking dynamic,talented, and compassionate Family Partner to provide supportive service to parents/caregivers to eligible youth. The Family Partner must have “lived experience” as a parent/primary caregiver of a youth who is/has been involved in the Mental Health system.

What you will do:

• The Family Partner provides hope, information, encouragement, and one-to-one support to parents/caregivers of children with emotional/behavioral health issues.
• Assists caregivers in planning for the strengths and needs of their child.
• Help parents/caregivers access resources, services and support.
• Team up and consult with providers and parents/caregivers about how to best meet the needs of youth with mental health concerns.

Competencies/Traits of Our Superstars:

• Talent connecting with people.
• Strong communication skills–both written and verbal.
• Flexibility and creative thinking with an ability to adapt.
• Works well independently.

MinimumRequirements:

• A High School Diploma or equivalent is required
• Lived experience as a parent/primary caregiver of a youth who is/has been involved in the Mental Health System.
• Driving in the community is a requirement of this position; please ensure you have a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Knowledge of behavioral health systems and services, DMH, and DCF resources, special education law and services, and other social service resources, and how to access these services
• Bilingual is a plus but not required.

Wewilltrain you in : Motivational Interviewing; Courageous Conversations; Attachment, Regulation and Competency Model (ARC); Trauma Informed Practice.