Parent Advocate (PEP)
About The Position
The Parent Advocate works directly with parents involved in the Alameda County Child Welfare system, advocating for and assisting them as they navigate the system. The role collaborates with Alameda County Child Welfare Workers to support parents in engaging with case plan activities and understanding the issues that brought their family to the attention of the Alameda County Department of Children and Family Services. The Parent Advocate also contributes the parent perspective to program and policy development when requested by the Department. Support for the role includes training, professional development, reflective supervision, and administrative support from the Parent Engagement Program management team. The position is part of the Parent Engagement Program in Hayward. It is a regular, full-time, non-exempt hourly position reporting to the PEP Program Supervisor. Work is generally Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; some evening and weekend work is required. The employee regularly works in an office setting, makes local trips to various worksites, and conducts in-person parent visits in the community or at parents’ residences.
Requirements
- Be a birth parent who has successfully navigated the Alameda County Child Welfare System as a client, demonstrated exceptional efforts toward reunification, and carried out viable permanency plans for their own children.
- Ability to work directly with parents and collaborate with Alameda County staff to deliver appropriate, supportive services to families.
- Ability to engage cross-culturally with diverse clients and community partners, providing culturally relevant and sensitive support.
- Ability to engage professionally with parents, supervisors, peers, community partners, and County staff.
- Personal experience connecting with community resources and ability to help families access needed resources.
- Willingness to pursue personal and professional development and develop new skills.
- Willingness to participate in reflective practices and other clinical approaches to identify and address personal issues that may affect, or be affected by, work with families involved in the Child Welfare system.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Basic computer skills or commitment to receive training in this area.
- Ability to pass a background clearance and TB test; background check and TB and health clearances are required prior to employment.
- Valid California driver’s license, clear driving record, personal vehicle availability, and personal vehicle insurance coverage.
- Willingness to work overtime as needed, including some evening and weekend events.
Responsibilities
- Attend Emergency Removal, Considered Removal, Case Planning, and Review Child and Family Team (CFT) meetings to help ensure families’ concerns are heard and addressed.
- Help parents connect with community resources to address basic needs and safety concerns.
- Clarify Child Welfare and Juvenile Court systems and terminology for families.
- Help parents address case plan requirements and build positive relationships with their Child Welfare Workers, including participating in joint meetings.
- Conduct weekly face-to-face home visits and phone calls to provide emotional and practical support as parents navigate the Child Welfare system.
- Assist parents with prioritizing goals and case plan requirements.
- Model effective communication with Child Welfare Workers, County staff, and community partners.
- Facilitate Parent Support Groups, Parent Orientation Classes, and informational classes about the Child Welfare and Juvenile Court systems.
- Facilitate icebreaker meetings between birth parents and resource parents.
- Provide training to Alameda County Child Welfare Workers, Parent Attorneys, and other community partners.
- Co-facilitate Parent Support Groups and other parent training development events.
- Participate in weekly individual and group reflective supervision and bi-monthly group processing.
- Attend required agency and county in-service trainings.
- Maintain accurate case documentation and complete paperwork by deadlines.
- Meet and maintain program contract deliverables by deadlines.
- Clearly communicate daily schedules and plans to the supervisor and other relevant parties.
- Maintain close contact with the supervisor through email and cell phone.
- Perform other duties as necessary for the good of the program and agency.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
