Parent Partner

Company: Childhelp
Location: Costa Mesa
Posted on: July 30, 2022

Job Description:

Job DescriptionPosition SummaryA Parent Partner is a biological, foster, adoptive or kin parent, a legal guardian or an individual who has stood In Loco Parentis and who has exhibited exceptional qualities and abilities in his/her own efforts to reunify and develop viable permanency plans for a child or children who have received or been the beneficiary of mental health, behavioral, or Special Education services through the child welfare systems in any state.Drawing on shared experience, this role serves as a role model for and works directly with parents and families advocating for and assisting them in successfully navigating the system by engaging them in their case plan activities and develop clear understanding of the issues that brought the family to the attention of the child welfare system. The Parent Partner is member of the multi-disciplinary team who professionally engages with parents and families to provide individualized, creative and strength-based approaches to develop the skills and abilities of those in the child welfare system to successfully overcome the inherent challenges and maintain the child or children in the least restrictive environment. Essential FunctionsAssists and supports the family (bio parents, relatives, foster parent or to whoever the youth will transition) by carrying out a variety of activities to effectively link families to resources prior to a youth's discharge from our program, i.e. aftercare referral services, community resources, to include:

• Serves on clinical team to report on status and assess potential for discharge
• Serves on the Taskforce team charged with family finding, transitional support and other program matters
• Coordinates Visitation Support Services and manages the visitation log for one's assigned cases
• Provides emotional and logistical support to parents of youth by attending Child Family Team (CFT) meetings and Juvenile Dependency court proceedings.
• Serves as a sounding board for parents allowing them a place to vet frustrations and problem solve
• Establishes relationships with outside agencies via phone, email, and in-person meetings with the goal of securing a variety of community resources for families of youth
• Works closely with placement agencies in the family finding process
• Calls parents on trial releases to ensure needs are met for a successful transition
• Documents description and duration of services in hard copy logs and electronic medical/health records systems RequirementsEducation/Experience/Knowledge
  • High school diploma or equivalent
  • Personal experience with and working knowledge of the level of care required by the youth and families to which the incumbent is assigned
  • Knowledge and understanding of child development, behavior management, parenting techniques, and the importance of cultural diversity with a non-biased or non-judgmental approach
  • Possess a current and valid unrestricted California Driver's License with clean driving record
  • Clear fingerprint background screening through the Department of Justice, FBI and Child Abuse Central Index prior to start
  • At least 21 years of age Skills
    • Strong verbal, written and listening communication skills to enable the incumbent to engage families in discussions to provide guidance and direction and to create required documentation for the program
    • Strong interpersonal skills and demeanor with the ability to build rapport and garner trust with others
    • Proficient in the use of a PC; in a Windows environment; in the use of the Internet; and in the use of MS Office Applications such as Outlook and WordAbilities
      • Ability to solve problems by applying basic analytical skills to include collating and reporting information; identifying trends and exceptions; investigating to define problems more accurately; sorting information in order of importance; identifying relationships and linkages between components; identifying variable potential causes and effects; soliciting guidance to define criteria and assign values of importance and urgency; and escalating issues of an exceptional nature.
      • Ability to work collaborative as part of a team.
      • Ability to demonstrate dependability and flexibility.
      • Ability to deliver high level of professionalism and service.
      • Ability to work with confidential information.
      • Willingness and ability to embody Childhelp's core values of Acting with Honor and Character, Being Open and Receptive, Caring About and Relating to Others; Nurturing Diverse Relationships; Performance Excellence; and Inspirational Leading & ManagingPreferences
        • Bachelors in any field of study
        • Education in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or other behavioral or social sciences field.
        • Bilingual, Spanish speaking
        • Previous experience as a Peer Partner or Peer Counselor in the mental health field.
        • Previous experience in mental health, addiction and chemical dependency, and effective strategies for dealing with its effects.

Keywords: Childhelp, Costa Mesa , Parent Partner, Other , Costa Mesa, California