Parent Partner
Summary: The Promoting Safe and Stable Families (PSSF) Parent Partner provides direct support for caregivers of child welfare-involved children. The primary objective is to support parents and caregivers in achieving their parenting potential or goal. This may include reunification, guardianship, adoption, or another form of connection or involvement; by helping to decrease isolation and provide hope; working toward their case plan or establishing other goals; and being an advocate for the caregiver vis-à-vis the professional staff members on the family’s team.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Works as an integrated team member of the ECMHP PSSF team
- Establishes close working and supportive relationships with members of assigned families
- Provides services mainly in the community, using a supportive, strength-based framework
- Effectively interacts with members of families experiencing child welfare involvement, as well as service providers and other team members
- Helps caregivers navigate systems (welfare, mental health and social supports); elevates caregivers' voices, and advocates on their behalf
- Supports caregivers' efforts toward fulfilling case plans, court orders or other identified goals
- Identifies and supports parent’s utilization of resources, supports and opportunities
- Provides case management services as indicated
- Is sensitive to and works effectively with individuals of various cultures and backgrounds
- Diligently documents service encounters, family goals and progress according to program requirements and established timeframes
- Participates in reflective team consultation, supervision, staff, training, and other meetings as required
- Meets service delivery benchmarks as outlined in the PSSF contract
- Other duties as assigned
Minimum Requirements:
1. Lived experience with the child welfare system, either as a youth, parent or other caregiver participating in services; alternatively, experience as a service provider supporting primarily child welfare recipients (e.g., CASA)
2. Working knowledge of the resource and social service landscape in West Contra Costa County, or a willingness to acquire this knowledge proactively
3. Empathy, compassion, and a general understanding of the needs and challenges of families affected by abuse or neglect
4. Working knowledge of normative child development
5. Excellent writing and oral communication skills in both Spanish and English
6. Ability to work collaboratively and reflectively across systems of care.
7. Holder of a California driver’s license in good standing and access to a reliable automobile with the legally required minimum insurance coverage.
8. Must submit to fingerprinting and be cleared by the California Department of Justice and the FBI for criminal and child abuse background checks.
Physical Requirements: Employee must be able to lift a 50-lb. dynamic load; must be able to stand, walk, sit, bend, and crouch without physical limitations; and must be able to work effectively in a high-noise, rapid-pace environment.
Preferred Qualifications: Peer Support Specialist Certification At least one year of experience as a peer support specialist, parent or family partner, or similar position
