Parenting Education Specialist

About the role

There is a $500 sign on bonus with this position!

Office Location

Kalamazoo

Description

Provides direct in-home services to families referred by Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) workers where abuse or neglect has been investigated or investigated and substantiated, allowing families to receive increased supportive services to prevent out-of-home placement or to return home children who are in out-of-home placement.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Provides home or community-based education and support for families through an evidence-based modality or practice consistent with the modality as required by contract.
• Accepts and manages referrals from DHHS to maintain yearly number of units.
• Completes assessments utilizing evidenced based inventories as required.
• Prepares written reports according to prescribed format and timelines to maintain contract compliance and/or model fidelity.
• Completes all case documentation in accordance with established timelines and are available upon request.
• Communicates with the referring worker regularly through face-to-face contact, telephone contact, written reports and attendance at Family Team Meetings as requested and/or required.
• Collaborates with the legal system and provides Court testimony if needed.
• Works flexible schedule with non-traditional hours (evenings, weekends, holidays) to accommodate family schedule.
• Transports clients as needed.
• Attends Agency mandated trainings and other program trainings as required.
• Attends required unit meetings and activities.
• Collaborates with community organizations to access goods and services for clients.
• This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support 1) culturally competent, recovery-based practices; 2) person-centered planning as a shared decision-making process with the individual, who defines his/her own life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals; and 3) a trauma informed culture to aid individuals in their recovery process.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.
• A commitment to value diversity in all forms, and to respect, celebrate and promote diversity in our workplace and in the community, including a personal commitment to increase one’s own cultural competencies.
• Ability to understand, demonstrate and apply the Agency’s workplace values: Respect; Integrity; Service; and Empowerment.

Requirements

• Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a Social Work or related Human Services field from an accredited institution OR an Associate's Degree (or 72 hours) working towards a Bachelor's.
• Required experience of at least 1 year working with children/youth/families.
• Experience working with diverse economic and cultural populations.
• Education, training, and/or knowledge of the impact of trauma on individuals, children, and families, is desired.
• Trained or willingness to be trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED.
• Valid Michigan driver's license, valid auto insurance, and driving record which complies with agency policy.
• Available a personal auto for required travel.

Qualifications

• Excellent clinical and engagement skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to understand, motivate and/or influence people and an awareness of the importance of cultural difference within service population.
• Presentation of a professional appearance and a friendly manner.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Courteous and personable when dealing with the public.
• Self-directed, willing to take initiative, organized and detail-oriented.
• Respect and maintain confidentiality of those served by Family & Children Services.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office including Word and Excel.
• Able to transport clients in employee-provided vehicle.
• Able to visually assess the safety of the environment and the physical well-being of children in the home.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• Sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• Close vision.
• Stand, walk, and may be required to carry infants in car seats and assist youth into car seats.
• Climb stairs and enter home environments that may be cluttered or present other physical obstacles.
• Enter homes where there may be exposure to dust, cigarette smoke, pet dander, and other typical household conditions including potential exposure to pests such as lice, bedbugs, and roaches.
• Travel to all areas within the service area.
• Transport clients in own vehicle; this includes adult clients and their children.
• Drive own vehicle and maintain a valid, unrestricted driver’s license and vehicle insurance that meets agency requirements is required for this role.
• Drive during the day or evening, and in varied weather conditions, is required for this role.
• Home visits are often made during evening hours as required to meet family need.