How to become a PALS Facilitator

PALS Facilitators work part-time and are paid by the hour. Experience in education, social work, psychology, or a related human service area is helpful, but not mandatory. PALS Inc. is looking for people who live in or near the communities where Personal Support Networks are being developed. They are expected to have strong community connections, good communication/listening skills and an understanding of the group process.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a PALS, Inc Facilitator, we would like to hear from you!

Facilitators work with families and assist them in developing a long term vision statement and plan for the future with the person with special needs, using a variety of existing tools, including some developed by the PALS, Inc. Network Supervision Committee which includes a Profile Notebook for each Network, an Intake Survey and a Questionnaire for Network members.

Facilitators spend time with the family and the focus person, gradually getting to know them, in order to develop a work plan with goals and time lines. They provide organizational support for identifying and inviting potential Network members to the first of several meetings.

Facilitators provide direction during the Network meetings by helping to process the family’s vision of a safe and secure future for their loved one with special needs. (Families are often preoccupied with a short term advocacy tasks and it is the Facilitator’s responsibility to maintain the focus on the long term advocacy task of building the Network.)

Facilitators speak with each potential Network member to confirm their interests in being a part of the Personal Support Network. They provide follow up communication, as necessary, for the purpose of identifying mutual interests and developing a specific schedule of activities between the Network member and the focus person.

Facilitators are asked to attend regular Facilitator Orientation meetings and Family Forums conducted by the Network Supervision Committee. Facilitators under contract with PALS, Inc., are paid to attend these quarterly meetings, which are designed to share successes and identify problem areas. Potential Facilitators are invited to attend these meetings to learn about PALS, Inc and the role of a Facilitator.

PALS, Inc. conducts reference checks and submits all Facilitator applicants to a CORI check.