Parent Advocate

FORESTDALE INC.•Town of Perinton, NY

4d•$42,000 - $48,500

About The Position

Parent Advocates play an important role in helping parents who have been struggling to maintain or improve their relationships with their children in foster care and help them along a path to stability so they can be reunited with their children safely and promptly. Forestdale is seeking candidates with “lived experience” to serve as Parent Advocates for families currently involved with the foster care system. The Parent Advocate is responsible for identifying and implementing strategies to effectively reach out to parents of children in foster care and/or at risk of placement. The Parent Advocate works with staff to meet parents, identifies and surveys the needs of families, provides support during family visits including visit coaching, assists in developing and facilitating parent support groups, and serves as an advocate for both specific and general parent needs.

Requirements

High school degree or completion of a GED Program
Self-motivated, organized, compassionate and creative
Have a working knowledge of the child welfare and family court systems.
An understanding and respect for community needs and cultures
Willing and capable of working with families from a wide variety of cultures
Ability to develop working relationships with children and adults using good interpersonal skills
Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including some evenings and weekends
Ability to travel in and around the metropolitan New York City region

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
Completion of Parent Advocate training program a plus

Responsibilities

Provides advocacy for families on both a case specific and general basis
Attends conferences and meetings with parents to assist them in accessing services
Assists in identifying problems that prevent families from accessing services and working with providers to develop alternatives, including escorting parents to services or appointments when it is beneficial
Assists in linking families with school and community services
Supports families in adjusting to new services
Develop and implement activities to involve parents and families
Conducts Parent and Family Support Groups
Escort parents to HRA and other community resources
Make visits to parent home when necessary
Advocates for the concerns of parents in meetings, case conferences, and with colleagues at Forestdale and other entities
Assists in developing and implementing consumer satisfaction measures for families
Monitors and ensures the recording of all contacts and services delivered
Ensure that all required forms and documentation are complete
Responsible for ensuring compliance with all agency policies, procedures and governmental regulations including but not limited to HIPAA
Other duties as required by the supervisor