Parent Support Advocate-CTTP

The House of the Good Shepherd; City of Utica (NY); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The House of the Good Shepherd is seeking a Parent Support Advocate to provide outreach, support, and advocacy for families of youth in care. The role acts as a bridge between families and treatment providers, identifying needs and empowering families to participate in decisions.

Responsibilities include offering emotional support, navigating services, and connecting families with local resources while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school or equivalency diploma required; some higher education preferred.
• Minimum of one-year successful human service experience in a behavioral health setting, preferably with children.
• Family Peer Advocate Credential required within 90 days of hire.
• Lived experience as a caregiver of a child/youth with service-system navigation experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach, support, and advocacy to caregivers and families of youth in care.
• Act as liaison between families and treatment providers to identify needs and empower families.
• Offer emotional support through face-to-face and phone contacts.
• Identify and connect families with community resources and services.
• Develop and co-facilitate parent/caregiver support groups.

Skills

Lived experience

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Family Peer Advocate Credential within 90 days

Job description

Program Overview: Thrive Together is a short-term support program for youth ages 11-17 who are medically ready for discharge but need additional support before returning home or to the community.Basic Function/Overall Responsibilities: The Parent Support Advocate is responsible for providing outreach, support, and advocacy to caregivers and families of youth in care. The Parent Support Advocate acts as a liaison between families and treatment providers. Through identification of family needs and strengths, the Parent Support Advocate will work with a multidisciplinary treatment team to support the efforts of family-driven care and empower families/caregivers to become an active participant and decision maker in the treatment process.Principal Assigned Responsibilities:Utilize \"lived experience\" to support and empower families/caregivers through treatment process.Act as a liaison between families/caregivers and treatment team members by helping providers identify family needs via strengths based and family-driven treatment approaches.Provide families and caregivers with emotional support through face to face and phone contacts.Assist family/caregivers in understanding the roles of treatment providers and navigating systems and services.Work with families/caregivers to identify and connect with supportive services/resources in their home community.Empower families/caregivers to advocate for service needs and become involved in decision making/treatment processes.Identify parenting skills that need to be developed. Develop these skills through education and modeling of skills.Develop and co-facilitate parent/caregiver support groups.Education and Experience Requirements:Minimum high school or equivalency diploma required; some higher education preferred.Minimum of one-year successful human service experience in a behavioral health setting, preferably working with children.Case Management experience preferred.Family Peer Advocate Credential required within 90 days of hireLived Experience is defined as a parent (biological/adoptive/foster) or primary caregiver of a child/youth with social, emotional, developmental, medical, substance use, and behavioral needs (prior to age 21) that has experience navigating child-serving systems of care on behalf of your child/youthRequired Knowledge, Skill, Abilities and Competencies:Commitment to the following and embracing the Seven Commitments of our Sanctuary.Ability to engage in collaborative working relationships with agency staff and service providers in children's home communities.Ability to work independently and confidently in various communities.Understanding of basic needs and developmental issues of children in a way that respects individuality.Demonstrate knowledge of behavioral treatment, social skills and age-appropriate developmental milestones of youth.Demonstrate the ability to form effective relationships with youth and families.Strong written, verbal, and organizational skills.Practices infection control, including appropriate hand washing procedures.Valid New York State driver’s license.Equal Opportunity EmployerThe House of the Good Shepherd is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. HGS encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and identities, including people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and those with disabilities. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to ensure equal access throughout the hiring process.