Adoptive Parent Consultant- Wayne County

D A Blodgett-St Johns•Grand Rapids, MI

3d•$18 - $20•Hybrid

About The Position

The Adoptive Parent Consultant partners with adoptive parents to access support, information, community resources needed to support the lifelong wellbeing of adoptive families. Support services are provided via phone, text, direct messaging, email, video conferencing, and/or in person with families and community partners. The primary functions of this role are providing direct services including but not limited to: moderation of virtual support groups, facilitating and/or assisting parent partners and agencies to develop support groups, reflective listening and responsivity to needs presented by the adoptive parents, community outreach and collaboration, and ongoing learning to best serve adoptive families. This is a part-time, 18-20 hours per week, hybrid position with limited travel to Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan as required. This position is grant funded and delivered by the Adoptive Family Support Network (AFSN) program at D.A. Blodgett – St. John’s. The Adoptive Parent Consultant reports to the AFSN Supervisor.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent
Three years direct lived experience participating in at least one of the following processes: adoption of a child in Michigan, another state, or internationally; partial, full, or juvenile guardianship of a child in Michigan. Exception may be given to individuals with three years of experience that also included time as a foster parent or relative caregiver.
Knowledge of community resources and support for adoptive parents in their communities.
Access to reliable transportation, possesses a valid driver’s license, positive driving record, and proof of automobile insurance.
Possess an understanding and sensitivity to the client’s socioeconomic characteristics with personal qualities of warmth with the ability to establish meaningful relationships with people from various cultures.
Knowledge of cultural values, norms and practices for key populations served to effectively address disparities.
Ability to work flexible hours based on the needs of the families served, including nights and weekends if necessary.
Ability to provide high-quality customer service, handle multiple priorities simultaneously, and prioritize activities to meet deadlines of the position.
Proficiency or the ability to become proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Share Point, Teams, and Outlook, and SalesForce software.
A personal commitment to the Agency’s mission, philosophy, and values.
Prior to final offer, ability to pass all Internal Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) National, State Sex Offender Registry and Central Registry Clearance documenting that there is no record of child abuse or neglect.

Responsibilities

Responds to contacts, provides support and/or resources, and follows in a timely manner.
In partnership with AFSN, cultivates inclusive and equitable working relationships with diverse groups of adoptive families, community partners, colleagues, and public and private agencies.
In partnership, organizes and hosts recruitment and retention activities that are client driven, culturally relevant, and accessible to all adoptive families.
In partnership, facilitates or develops community-based support groups.
Collaborate with team members to ensure culturally responsive care and programming is offered
Identifies local and regional resources relevant to the needs of adoptive families.
Participates in ongoing learning opportunities to problem-solve and exchange knowledge with other APCs and/or parent leaders located throughout Michigan.
Demonstrate sensitivity to cultural, ethnic and linguistic differences in all interactions with youth and families.
Participates in AFSN team meetings twice per month virtually and in person twice annually.
Participates in bi-weekly supervision with AFSN Supervisor virtually twice per month.
Documents client data and contacts as specified by AFSN.
Maintain a monthly log of community events and activities hosted or attended.
Acts as a cultural bridge between youth, families and community groups from different backgrounds.
Participates in boards or committees to collaborate, network, and build community partnerships.
Ability to travel to scheduled mandatory meetings or training, as necessary.
Ability to travel to provide or attend scheduled in person community events and activities.