Therapeutic Mentor

Centerstone is among the nation’s leading nonprofit behavioral health systems with thousands of employees dedicated to delivering care that changes people’s lives. A dynamic, well-established organization, we offer rewarding opportunities to serve all ages in a variety of settings.

About the role

The Parenting Partner/Mentor provides active, hands-on peer support to a caseload of parent/caregivers of children and youth receiving services in three counties (Manatee, Sarasota, and Desoto). Support may be delivered in individual or group settings at the agency, in family homes, or in community environments. The role is to provide peer support while working collaboratively to support systems change by increasing family involvement and decreasing unintentional bias about parents. Guidance is based on a combination of evidence-based training and personal firsthand experience and lived expertise. Empowering and coaching parents through processes with DCF, Child Welfare, the courts, and other family-centered community partners is a key aspect of this work.

Responsibilities

• Provide support and assistance to parents in meeting the physical, emotional, and educational needs of their children.
• Work with and model for the entire family a positive, sensitive, non-judgmental manner of relating.
• Assist the team in understanding the parent’s perspective, culture, and beliefs to increase understanding by others while decreasing differences and highlighting similarities.
• Assess and prioritize needs of a parent regarding parenting tasks or sources of self-confidence, including:
  • Providing information on child development and parenting skills.
  • Assisting a parent in acquiring practical/organizational skills (e.g., budgeting, utilizing resources).
  • Assisting a parent in developing their own interests and personal goals.
  • Providing information that assists parents’ understanding of their child’s developmental needs, promotes positive parenting, and develops the parent/child relationship.
• Teach problem-solving skills to manage crises.
• Maintain appropriate documentation that outlines the services provided to the family.
• Present workshops to parents and other groups.
• Serve on committees with project stakeholders, and serve as the parents’ voice.
• Coordinate with parent resource centers and provide them with special education information and trainings for parents.
• Attend IEP and school meetings as requested by the caregivers or team members.
• Accompany parents into the community for meetings and forums.
• Coordinate with other agencies, groups, and project stakeholders.
• Research information needed by the parent/family.
• Facilitate webinars or trainings for parents/caregivers, including trauma-informed, evidence-based parenting curriculum.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Direct current or previous life experience as the biological, kin, foster, or adoptive parent of a youth with complex needs and receiving community mental health services, child welfare, and/or juvenile justice system.
• Experience in providing education, outreach, and collaboration with community stakeholders is preferred.

Skills

• Ability to maintain and manage confidential information.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Tolerance and respect for individual differences, opinions, and perspectives.
• Respect for low-income families and understanding of different socioeconomic populations.
• Ability to work independently and exercise ethical and swift judgment during times of crisis.
• Knowledge of/linkages with diverse populations, key community stakeholders, and populations with/at risk for trauma.
• Public speaking experience, excellent organizational skills, strong communication and writing skills.
• Creative problem-solving skills and ability to coordinate multiple tasks.
• Ability to value cultural differences, work independently and/or as a member of a team, and problem-solve.
• Genuine interest in working with survivors of trauma.
• Must be able to travel up to 50% of the time.

Physical Requirements

• Standing – 10%
• Sitting – 90%
• Squatting – Occasional
• Kneeling – Occasional
• Bending – Occasional
• Driving – Occasional
• Lifting – Occasional

Pay

$15.00–$21.00 per hour

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health coverage.
• Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.
• 403b retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off and ten paid holidays.
• AD&D Insurance, Life Insurance, and Long Term Disability (company paid).
• Employee Resource Groups.
• Continuing education opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program.

Schedule

Full time