Parent Advocate (Justice for Youth and Family services)

About the Role

Parent Advocates support families involved with the child welfare/protective system while their child(ren) are placed in a non-secure residential facility. Advocates work closely with aftercare providers and agencies delivering interventions and services to the family to promote continuity of care and successful outcomes.

Drawing on their own lived experience within the child welfare system, Parent Advocates provide authentic, informed support to parents. They help parents understand their situation, available options, and the roles, responsibilities, and processes of all involved stakeholders. Advocates also promote effective communication, transparency, and collaboration among families and child welfare professionals, contributing to more sensitive practice and more equitable permanency outcomes for children and families.

The primary role of the Parent Advocate is to provide direct support and advocacy to families as they navigate the non-secure residential placement process. Advocates build rapport with families, assist them in accessing and navigating community-based resources, and ensure parents are informed and empowered throughout their involvement with the system.

This position is based primarily out of the Jamaica Hub, with an expectation of travel throughout the boroughs.

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• What You’ll Do
• Build rapport and support parents in coping with the trauma of child welfare/protective system involvement, making decisions for their families, and communicating effectively with those involved in their case.
• Work with socially, economically, culturally, and ethnically diverse groups in a mutual respectful manner using a strength base and flexible approach.
• Prepare parents and participate in Child Safety Conferences.
• Emphasize with parents the importance of involvement in planning, preparing for court dates, voicing concerns, and requesting help when needed.
• Collaborate with individuals in crisis to identify and or develop coping skills.
• Report to the Advocate Supervisor and work collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary teams with ACS field offices staff and multiple community-based service providers.
• Collaborate with other providers and community support to help families meet their needs and navigate resources.
• Coach parents to strengthen problem-solving skills while discovering their strengths, hopes, dreams, and priorities.
• Actively participate in team meetings, and supervisory sessions, including daily scheduling check-ins.
• Maintain accurate job related/required reports and documentation and submit on a timely basis.