Parent Advocate

Position Summary

The Birth Parent Advocate will provide advocacy, support, and referral services for birth parents whose children are in foster care. The Parent Advocate helps the parent understand and navigate the foster care system, make decisions for their families, remain hopeful, and address family challenges so that they can accomplish their goal of reunification. The focus of this job is building connections with parents and working collaboratively with case planners. Each Parent Advocate will be assigned to a case planning unit and will support parents and bring their experience to the foster care agency decision-making process so that children safely return home. Parent Advocates with their own Prior Personal lived experience with ACS/Child Welfare System is Required.

Required Qualifications

- High School Diploma or equivalent required - Good Communication, both verbal and written - Prior Personal lived experience in the Foster Care System is Required - Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s Mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments and social justice.

Responsibilities

- Contacts birth parent within specific time frame in order to engage them in the process of planning for their child - Provides advocacy, support, and referral services for Birth Parents in such areas as family court, housing, and public assistance - Educate prospective birth parents on the birth parent/client experience - Maintains contact and meets with birth parent on a regular basis to provide support - Participates in Birth Parent Orientation - Facilitates a Parent Support Circle for birth parents in order to address common needs - Monitor family/sibling visits - Respond to emergencies as needed and/or directed - Respond to Client requests for information. - Maintain appropriate boundaries - Participate in meetings and family team conferences

Benefits/Perks

- A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family - 403B retirement benefits - Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance - Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, 12 paid holidays) - Free employee assistance program through National EAP - Insurance discounts for our staff and their families - Trainings to support professional and personal development - Employee wellness program - Employee recognition activities

Pay

Salary Range: $38,000-$40,000 per year Hiring bonus of $1,000 after 500 worked hours