Parenting Education Specialist
Description There is a $500 sign on bonus with this position! Office Location: Kalamazoo Travel Service Location: Allegan, Barry & Van Buren County SUMMARY: 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.
Services may include teaching through psychoeducation, coaching, modeling, and reinforcement of some of the following: home and life management skills, health and nutrition, safe sleep practices, and appropriate parenting that meets the specific needs the needs of the children in their home as well as the direct provision of concrete services and linking to community resources. This position requires a flexible work schedule, which may include weekends, evenings, and/or holidays.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Responsibilities associated with this job will change from time to time according to the Agency’s needs or contract. More specifically, the incumbent may be required to perform additional and/or different responsibilities from those described below: 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. Perform 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. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment drug screen, background check, reference verification, and required child welfare clearances Requirements QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, and individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Must have 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.
Must present a professional appearance and a friendly manner Must be de