Family Partner-CARES Center Jackson, MS

Canopy Standard; Jackson (MS); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Canopy Children's Solutions is seeking a Family Partner to advocate for youth and their families with behavioral health needs served by the CARES Center. You will maintain communications among families, CARES Center staff, and the community while supporting educational initiatives for families.

The role requires CPSS certification with timely acquisition if not yet obtained, and prior experience navigating Mississippi’s mental health system.

Qualifications

• Must be certified as a CPSS through the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, with 6 months to obtain certification if not held at hire.
• Experience as a parent or legal guardian of a child with behavioral health needs and navigation of the mental health system.
• Strong listening, problem solving and teamwork abilities.

Responsibilities

• Advocates for CARES Center families and supports a family-driven approach.
• Maintains communication among families, CARES Center staff and the community.
• Provides families with information, advocacy skills and related activities.
• Assists families in crisis with referrals and connects them to behavioral health resources.
• Develops leadership potential within families and supports staff coordination.

Skills

CPSS Certification

Family Advocacy

Communication & Coordination

Job description

Founded in 1912 as an adoption agency, Canopy Children's Solutions is Mississippi’s most comprehensive nonprofit provider of children’s behavioral health, educational, and social service solutions. Canopy employs a diverse group of mission-driven individuals committed to honoring the voice of Mississippi children and families. Being an integral part of the Canopy team involves committing to the Core Values that drive our organization forward:

• The voice of our children and families always comes first
• Relationships matter and our differences make us stronger
• We take great joy in service to others
• Our families and our communities deserve our very best

Canopy has been recognized as a Great Place to Work® for the fifth consecutive year and is one of only nine companies in Mississippi to earn this certification for 2025-2026. At Canopy, employees are committed to fostering a healthy workplace culture built on trust and driven by a shared mission: helping children thrive and empowering families to overcome extraordinary challenges.

Family Partner - Position Overview

• The responsibility of the CARES Family Partner is to serve as a representative of, and advocate for, youth and their families with behavioral health treatment needs who are clients of the CARES Center.
• The Family Partner is responsible for maintaining communication among families, the community and CARES Center staff.
• He/She will provide information to assist and support educational and training initiatives generated by CARES Center for family members.

Required Physical Activities: Sitting, standing, walking, reaching, pushing, pulling, grasping, lifting, talking, seeing, hearing, kneeling, stooping, bending, reaching overhead, and climbing stairs as needed and repetitive motions. Must have the physical ability to assist in the physical or therapeutic hold of youth when required, following organization approved safety protocols.

Characteristics of Work

Characteristics of Work: Frequent standing and walking, occasional sitting, lifting and carrying objects up to 50 pounds. Must be able to respond quickly to emergencies and physically assist or support youth and/or staff.

Vision Requirements

Vision Requirements: Close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus.

Environmental Conditions

Environmental Conditions: This job requires exposure to both inside and outside weather conditions; the typical noise level for the work environment is moderate to loud noise.

Job Responsibilities

• Advocates, represents, supports and assists CARES Center families.
  • Assists in creating and sustaining a family-driven approach.
  • Provides families with information, advocacy skills and related activities.
  • Assists families / child in crisis with appropriate referrals and supports. Links families to information and resources on behavioral health systems.
  • Assists families in resolving complaints and concerns about Canopy Children's Solutions system of care.
  • Identifies and develops potential leaders as well as develops own leadership abilities.
  • With Recreation Department, plans coordinates, and participates in three family fun days (fall, winter, and spring) per year, including inviting families and seeking their participation.
  • Facilitates a family support group.
• Represent CARES/Canopy Children's Solutions families at meetings, conferences and related activities.
  • Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with professional partners.
  • Maintains and promotes a high level of cultural competency.
  • Meets on a regular basis with CARES Center staff. Coordinates job responsibilities with CARES management staff.
• Carries out all administrative duties, which include:
  • Maintains regular and predictable attendance at the organization.
  • Develops and maintains collaborative relationships with professional partners.
  • Participates and assists in quality assurance studies and program improvement activities.
  • Maintains a resource library for families.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Experience as a parent or legal guardian of a child who has/ or has had behavioral issues and has navigated through the mental health system of Mississippi.
• Must maintain certification as a Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) through the Mississippi Department of Mental Health. If certification (CPSS) not acquired at time of hire, certification must be obtained within six months of hire.
• Must have the ability to listen to and problem solve with families.
• Must have excellent organizational skills, experience in diverse communication styles and the ability to work with teams.
• Must be dependable.
• Must have a positive attitude.