MARSHMALLOWS HOPE NONPROFIT·McHenry, Illinois
The specialist provides emotional support, education, and advocacy to caregivers of children with behavioral health challenges. They help families navigate complex care systems and coordinate services with clinicians, schools, and community partners.
Join our team as a family peer support specialist!
Have you navigated the challenges of raising a child with behavioral health needs? Your journey can inspire hope and make a meaningful difference for other families.
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Family Peer Support Specialist to join our team. In this role, you'll use your lived experience to empower, encourage, and support caregivers as they navigate behavioral health services, school systems, and community resources. Your voice, understanding, and advocacy can help families feel heard, connected, and confident as they work toward positive outcomes for their children.
If you're passionate about helping families thrive and believe that shared experiences create powerful connections, we'd love to meet you.
$18–$20 per hour, based on experience, plus an additional $2.50 per hour as a vehicle maintenance allowance for employees who use their personal vehicle for work.
The Family Peer Support Specialist partners with caregivers of children and adolescents experiencing behavioral health challenges by providing peer support, education, advocacy, and encouragement. Through authentic connection and shared experience, the specialist helps families build confidence, strengthen self-advocacy skills, access community resources, and navigate complex systems of care.
This position provides services throughout McHenry and Boone Counties, meeting families where they are—in their homes, communities, schools, or other appropriate settings.
What You'll Do
Build trusting, supportive relationships with caregivers through shared lived experience.
Provide emotional support, encouragement, and practical guidance to families navigating behavioral health challenges.
Help families understand and access behavioral health, educational, medical, and community resources.
Empower caregivers to develop self-advocacy skills and confidently participate in their child's care and treatment planning.
Assist families in identifying strengths, setting goals, and overcoming barriers to success.
Facilitate parent support groups, educational workshops, and family engagement activities.
Collaborate with clinicians, case managers, schools, and community partners to coordinate services and promote positive outcomes.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation, including service notes and required agency records.
Participate in supervision, team meetings, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Uphold agency policies, confidentiality standards, and ethical guidelines.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong communication, listening, and interpersonal skills.
A compassionate, nonjudgmental approach to supporting families.
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a multidisciplinary team.
Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel throughout McHenry and Boone Counties.
Ability to successfully complete required background screenings.
Why Join Our Team?
At our organization, we believe families are stronger when they feel supported, connected, and empowered. We value the unique perspectives that peer professionals bring and are committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive workplace.
Make a lasting impact on the lives of children and families.
Share your lived experience to inspire hope and resilience.
Receive ongoing training, supervision, and professional development.
Work alongside a compassionate team dedicated to improving behavioral health outcomes.
Build meaningful relationships while serving your local community in McHenry and Boone Counties.
If you're ready to turn your personal experience into a source of hope and support for others, we encourage you to apply. Together, we can help families navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and build brighter futures.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences and believe that diversity strengthens our team and the communities we serve.
Flexible work from home options available.
Requires a high school diploma, a valid driver's license, and the ability to travel within McHenry and Boone Counties. Lived experience caring for a child with behavioral health needs is strongly preferred.
Market context
Behavioral health positions in Illinois often draw steady interest because employers look for licensed or graduate-prepared candidates who can work in clinical, community, or care-coordination settings. This role is competitive because the required background is specific—either a master’s degree in a human services field or an active Illinois RN license, with behavioral health experience preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save research time, then confirm your licensure, degree, and setting experience before applying.