Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center Family Peer Support Worker Marion, IL · Full time Company website

Apply for Family Peer Support Worker

The Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center (SIRAC) is a community-based organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families across rural Southern Illinois. SIRAC provides a wide range of services, including recovery support, mental health resources, parenting support, workforce development, and assistance with basic needs. At the heart of SIRAC’s work is a commitment to meeting people where they are—with compassion, respect, and real-world understanding. What sets SIRAC apart is its family-driven approach, where people with lived experience help shape and deliver services, creating a welcoming environment built on trust, connection, and hope.

Job Title: Peer Support Worker

Program: Building Resilience in Caregivers and Kids (BRICK) Program

Organization: Southern Illinois Resource and Advocacy Center (SIRAC)

Position Summary:

The Peer Support Worker will play a critical role in SIRAC’s Building Resilience in Caregivers and Kids (BRICK) Program by engaging parents and families at risk of Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) involvement. The Peer Support Worker will use lived experience, trauma-informed practices, and evidence-based strategies to provide peer support, parent mentorship and coaching, case management, parent education, and resource coordination. This position emphasizes empowering families to build resilience, reduce risks, and create stable environments for children. This position works with parents and caregivers over the age of 18 and does not have unsupervised direct contact with children.

Key Responsibilities:

Peer Parent Support

• Establish trust-based, nonjudgmental relationships with parents and families at risk of DCFS involvement.
• Share lived experiences to inspire hope and model effective parenting and life skills.
• Provide emotional support and guidance to families navigating challenges related to parenting, stress, and resource limitations.
• Deliver individualized coaching on parenting techniques, communication, and problem-solving strategies.
• Facilitate parent education and/or support groups focused on child development, positive discipline, and building resiliency in families.
• Support families in implementing strategies to enhance family functioning, minimize risk, and reduce the possibility of child welfare involvement.

Case Management and Resource Coordination

• Conduct needs assessments to identify family strengths, challenges, and areas requiring support.
• Complete program-required screenings for perinatal substance use disorders and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders as indicated.
• Assist families in developing and achieving individualized goals for stability and success.
• Connect families with local resources such as housing, food, transportation, mental health services, and substance use treatment.
• Provide ongoing follow-up to ensure families access and utilize necessary services effectively.
• Provide transportation services to participants for necessary travel such as doctor appointments, court dates, groceries, etc. 

Program Collaboration and Reporting

• Collaborate with internal and external service providers, including clinicians, case managers, and other peer support workers, to provide comprehensive support for families.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of all interactions, services provided, and outcomes achieved.
• Participate in training and supervision to enhance skills in peer support, trauma-informed care, and parent coaching.

Qualifications:

• Lived Experience: Personal experience navigating challenges related to parenting, child welfare involvement, and overcoming significant adversity required.
• Education: High school diploma or GED required; additional education in human services, social work, or related fields preferred.
• Skills:
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to relate to individuals from diverse backgrounds with empathy and understanding.
• Solid understanding of navigating local systems of care including DHS, DCFS, and other service providers.
• Organizational skills for managing documentation, schedules, and other tasks.
• Basic computer skills and a willingness to learn new technology.
• Certifications: Completion of peer support training or willingness to complete training within 18 months of hire.
• Other Requirements:
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• 
  

Work Environment:

The Peer Support Worker will work in a variety of settings, including SIRAC offices, family homes, community settings, and virtual environments. Flexibility to travel within the program’s service area is required. 

Benefits:

In addition to the items below, benefits include ongoing professional development, supportive supervision, and opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the lives of families in Southern Illinois.

• Competitive wage commensurate with experience.
• Mileage reimbursement at the current federally mandated rate. 
• Paid Holidays
• Sick Leave & Paid Leave
• Flex Time Opportunities
• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and certification support.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SIRAC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic under applicable law. We value lived experience and encourage applications from individuals with personal experience in recovery, caregiving, disability, or system involvement.

Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Duties may be modified to meet organizational and programming needs.