CSO is looking for a Family Partner to join our team at the Valuing Our Children Family Resource Center (FRC) in Athol. 

Are you the parent or caregiver of a child who has faced emotional, behavioral, or physical challenges? Have you ever felt alone navigating complex systems while advocating for your child? If so, your experience is invaluable—and you’re not alone. Many caregivers in our community are walking a similar path, and they could use someone who’s been there.

This is a peer position, for a candidate with lived experience. This role is a unique opportunity to turn your journey into meaningful support for other families. 

Who We’re Looking For:

A parent or caregiver who has:

• Supported a child with a mental health diagnosis or significant behavioral/emotional challenges
• First-hand experience accessing services such as mental health care, DCF, DMH, special education, or the juvenile justice system
• A passion for helping others navigate similar challenges

As a Family Partner:

You Will:

• Work collaboratively with the FRC Clinician and staff to complete the CANS Assessment and develop Family Support Plans
• Offer emotional support and encouragement to families, helping them engage natural supports
• Help carry out and oversee Family Support Plans, prioritizing families involved with Children Requiring Assistance (CRA)
• Provide direct support services at the FRC, in family homes, or in the community
• Guide families through complex systems including DCF, DMH, and juvenile justice
• Promote self-advocacy, empowerment, and connection to community-based resources
• Facilitate referrals to peer support, parent groups, and other helpful networks

Your Background:

• Minimum high school diploma or GED and two years' experience working with children, adolescents or transition age youth
• Experience as parent/caregiver of a youth with special needs, and preferably a youth with mental health needs; willingness to share this experience/journey with child serving systems
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required 

Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

We also seek applicants who embody CSO's values by being:

• Positive -- maintaining resiliency and focusing on solutions
• Respectful -- collaborating and effectively communicating
• Insightful -- demonstrating self-awareness and effectively priority setting
• Conscientious -- taking accountability and applying feedback

What We Offer:

Competitive salaries, full health and dental coverage, free CEUs for in-house training, ample paid time off, a 403B retirement savings plan, employee referral bonuses, group rate supplemental insurances, a premier employee assistance program, personal cell phone plan discounts, and a flexible, supportive work environment fostering collaboration.

Our Agency:

Clinical & Support Options, Inc. is a dynamic behavioral health organization serving Western Massachusetts for over 50 years. With offices across Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield, and beyond, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families. Join our team of over 650 multi-disciplinary staff and become part of a collaborative environment where excellence is fostered internally and partnerships are forged externally with community organizations. At CSO, you'll find a flexible and supportive work environment that encourages collaboration and growth. Join us and make a positive impact on thousands of lives in our communities!

CSO was voted a "Healthcare Industry Top Workplace" in 2023 and 2024. We are the fastest-growing Behavioral Health agency in Western Massachusetts. CSO has consistently received high marks on their internal employee satisfaction survey, noting that over 90% of CSO staff would recommend CSO as a great place to work. We encourage you to check us out!

CSO offers Training in: Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Skills and more. 

EOE/AA