Job Description
We're not just behavioral health people—we're crisis people. Connections Health Solutions is a leading provider of immediate-access behavioral health crisis care. Our team combines medical and recovery-oriented treatment to stabilize individuals in crisis and connect them to community-based resources for ongoing recovery. Founded by emergency room psychiatrists Dr. Chris Carson and Dr. Robert Williamson, our model is physician-led and data-driven, drawing upon more than 15 years of crisis care expertise. Recognized by SAMHSA and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing as a national best practice, we've delivered invaluable treatment to hundreds of thousands of individuals facing crises. Our commitment remains consistent, to improve access, inspire hope, and provide the right support. Our values shape our decisions, define our culture, and foster continuous learning and growth. We accept people as they are, creating safe spaces where they feel valued and respected. We inspire hope by walking with people side-by-side, showing them grace and compassion. We act with intention, holding ourselves and each other accountable, and doing the right thing. We work as one team, trusting and supporting each other. We embrace change and innovation, striving to find better ways to fulfill our mission. We are on a mission to change the face of behavioral health. Help us save lives and make a difference. Earn More with Shift Differentials Maximize your earnings with additional hourly pay: +$2/hr -> Monday-Thursday Nights +$3/hr -> Friday-Sunday Nights +$2/hr -> Saturday-Sunday Days What You'll Do: Under the supervision of the Social Services Manager, the Family Support Specialist plays a vital role in supporting youth and their families within our outpatient mental health youth urgent care setting. This position relies on the specialist's personal or lived experience to build meaningful connections and foster trust with families navigating challenging circumstances. By sharing relatable experiences and insights, the specialist empowers families through psychoeducation, advocacy coaching, and crisis planning. Working in close collaboration with clinical care teams, the specialist assesses family needs, provides personalized resource referrals, and ensures seamless continuity of care. As a knowledgeable liaison to community services and external agencies, the specialist uses lived experience to break down barriers, promote family engagement, support effective communication, and help youth and caregivers confidently navigate the mental health system. Collaborate with care teams to ensure continuity of care by assessing ongoing family needs and facilitating appropriate next steps Act as a content expert in community-based resources and services to support children, youth, and families facing behavioral or mental health challenges Provide individualized referrals and concrete resources (e.g., housing, food access, transportation, mental health providers) tailored to the needs of each family Ensure timely and effective communication with patients and caregivers regarding available services and families Develop, update, and implement crisis and safety plans in collaboration with the care team, youth, and their families Coordinate with guardians, foster families, caseworkers, and external agencies such as Child Protection Services (CPS) to align care plans and ensure comprehensive support Facilitate transfers to higher levels of care when appropriate, including inpatient psychiatric facilities or emergency departments Provide educational handouts and psychoeducational materials specific to the child's diagnosis, developmental state, or family needs Draw on personal or lived experience supporting a child, youth, or family member with emotional, behavioral, or mental health needs, and the ability to draw on that experience to provide empathetic, peer-informed support to families Empower caregivers by teaching advocacy and communication skills to help them navigate systems and speak effectively on behalf of their child Support families of children or youth actively receiving mental health services, helping them engage in treatment and understand their role in the care process Conduct follow-up with youth and families post-discharge to confirm successful connection to recommended resources, address any questions or concerns, and provide ongoing support and check-ins Performs all other duties as assigned What You'll Bring: Bachelor's degree in counseling, social work, psychology, or related field Must possess a current AAC credential or obtain one within 30 days of hire Minimum 1-2 years' wor