MCC Parent Partner

The Wellspring•Monroe, LA

About The Position

Partners directly with families to help reduce the likelihood of initial or repeat involvement with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Parent Partner provides mentoring to support families by acting as a relatable and empathetic peer guide, explaining case plans, court expectations, available services and provide accompaniment to court and child welfare family team meetings. Experience and Knowledge Firsthand experience in the child welfare system demonstrating stability and system navigation success through a closed case and successful reunification with their children. Flexibility to work non-traditional business hours Knowledge of community, job, financial, and social resources Demonstrates ability to partner with families using a strengths-based approach Demonstrates understanding of protective factors that promote child wellbeing, individual and community level trauma and its impact, best practices in preventing child abuse and neglect, and disparities and disproportionalities in public systems. Preference will be given to candidates who most reflect the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic status of the majority of members of the neighborhoods being served Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and meet state required automobile insurance minimums Skills and Abilities Ability to communicate with, be sensitive to the needs of, and develop and maintain relationships with individuals from various cultural, ethnic and racial backgrounds Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers in a professional, tactful, and friendly manner Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to record with clarity and promptness Good listening skills and the ability to ask appropriate questions Maintains poise and self-control even under extreme stress and unexpected crises; handles delicate situations tactfully Appropriately assertive even in difficult situations Must demonstrate mature and objective, non-judgmental behaviors Ability to assess situations both within and outside the client system and determine priorities Maintains positive work relationships with other staff, is cooperative and promotes teamwork Effective in planning and arranging work responsibilities including determining priorities, managing multiple projects, handling deadlines and changes in priorities Ability to identify and use community resources Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, Excel and Power Point Maintains personal appearance consistent with agency image Ability to work within the purpose, structure and constraints of the Agency and to make suggestions for change in a responsible manner Ability to maintain confidentiality with regard to clients and agency business Commitment to continued professional growth Core Values of Staff Service: I act with a servant’s heart to contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing of others. Teamwork: I willingly help my teammates. Respect: I recognize the dignity, worth and importance of others. Open-hearted: I am kind, caring and compassionate. iNtegrity: I am honest and ethical in all that I do. Growth: I embrace challenges and change with a positive attitude. Job Related Training Courses & Programs Orientation Initial 40 hours Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault as required by Wellspring Initial and ongoing MCC training in the areas of protective factors that promote child wellbeing, individual and community level trauma and its impact, best practices in preventing child abuse and neglect, and disparities and disproportionalities in public systems Certified through the Lafayette Parish MCC in the Building a Better Future (BABF) Iowa model. Trust-Based Relational Intervention® and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES) training 40 hours continuing education yearly On-going in-service workshops, conferences and self-study Monthly Agency Staff meetings, program delivery meetings and program area meetings

Requirements

Firsthand experience in the child welfare system demonstrating stability and system navigation success through a closed case and successful reunification with their children.
Flexibility to work non-traditional business hours
Knowledge of community, job, financial, and social resources
Demonstrates ability to partner with families using a strengths-based approach
Demonstrates understanding of protective factors that promote child wellbeing, individual and community level trauma and its impact, best practices in preventing child abuse and neglect, and disparities and disproportionalities in public systems.
Must have reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and meet state required automobile insurance minimums
Ability to communicate with, be sensitive to the needs of, and develop and maintain relationships with individuals from various cultural, ethnic and racial backgrounds
Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers in a professional, tactful, and friendly manner
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to record with clarity and promptness
Good listening skills and the ability to ask appropriate questions
Maintains poise and self-control even under extreme stress and unexpected crises; handles delicate situations tactfully
Appropriately assertive even in difficult situations
Must demonstrate mature and objective, non-judgmental behaviors
Ability to assess situations both within and outside the client system and determine priorities
Maintains positive work relationships with other staff, is cooperative and promotes teamwork
Effective in planning and arranging work responsibilities including determining priorities, managing multiple projects, handling deadlines and changes in priorities
Ability to identify and use community resources
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Outlook, Excel and Power Point
Maintains personal appearance consistent with agency image
Ability to work within the purpose, structure and constraints of the Agency and to make suggestions for change in a responsible manner
Ability to maintain confidentiality with regard to clients and agency business
Commitment to continued professional growth

Nice To Haves

Preference will be given to candidates who most reflect the racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic status of the majority of members of the neighborhoods being served

Responsibilities

Delivers services by Providing peer mentoring to support families involved in the child welfare system, explaining case plans, court expectations, available services and accompanying families to court, family team meetings, etc...
Offering flexible support options (in-person, virtual, or phone-based) based on the family’s preference and accessibility needs
Demonstrating a positive attitude through word and action
Demonstrating concern and respect for others by listening carefully and without judgment
Establishing personal rapport with clients
Maintaining case records by documenting client activity and actions
Tracking and reporting required MCC qualitative and quantitative data to the MCC Program Coordinator and MCC State staff.
Reporting to the MCC Program Coordinator and utilizing the staff for support in implementation of TBRI and parent support related responsibilities
Participating in meetings with the MCC State staff, MCC State teams, and MCC peer network as requested
Participating in agency meetings as required
Assures quality services and program efficiency and effectiveness by: Complying with appropriate program standards and guidelines Completing required agency and funder paperwork in a timely and accurate manner
Maintains professional and technical competency by: Participating regularly in case review meetings Participating in continued education and personal growth experiences Reviewing professional publications Establishing personal and community networks
Maintains safety of clients and staff by: Complying with agency procedures, rules and regulations Safety procedures will be followed at all times
Maintains confidential records by: Performing and documenting required collaborative and client contacts in accordance with agency standards Recording data into MCC management Information System(s); or other identified database in a timely manner Adhering to all agency and grant confidentiality policies and procedures Gathering and documenting necessary demographic and personal information Documenting all contacts with or activities on behalf of each client, including parenting support sessions, cancellations and no-shows, advocacy, referrals and phone contacts Keeping information confidential
Contributes to team effort by: Communicating effectively Exhibiting a willingness to help other staff Demonstrating flexibility and accommodating change Encouraging and supporting others Engaging in amenable and cooperative contacts Giving and receiving feedback
Maintains agency credibility by: Establishing working relationships with sponsoring, advisory and related service agencies
Performs other duties as related to the position as assigned
Work non-traditional hours and/or alternate schedule during special projects or to meet agency deadlines