Parent Aide

The Parent Aides work side-by-side with Department of Children and Families (DCF) and social workers with the families that are in crisis and assist them with attaining resources to stabilize the family unit. This program recognizes family challenges, the cycles of abuse, and works to educate the parents about focusing on changes that will bring success to each and every family.

Primary Responsibility:

Provide direct client services that promote the functioning and wellbeing of the client, including parent education, supervised visitation between children, parents, siblings and significant others. Encourage natural supports, seek community resources, assist with budgeting, nutrition and medical appointments. Assist the family to reach an acceptable level of family functioning and maintenance of  the physical environment. Ensure the family is provided a range of instruction, assistance, and support services to improve their skills and ability to fulfill parenting roles and responsibilities.

This position will focus on supporting the northern area of Worcester County.

Essential Duties:

• Provide education and training in activities related to home management, discipline techniques, communication skills, and other areas as determined appropriate.
• Supervise visits between children and their parents and/or others deemed appropriate at the request of the DCF case manager and/or lead agency.
• Maintain client records, case notes, family interactions, documentation and file in a complete and efficient manner, meeting all required deadlines.
• Provide proper parenting skills activities, role modeling and training, in home management, discipline and communication skills.
• Observe, monitor, and assess the client's parenting skills, and provide guidance and/or coaching as needed while client is interacting with their children.
• Attend meetings with DCF, referral agencies, individual PA meetings and monthly group meetings. 
• Comply with policies set forth by Catholic Charities and comply with regulations set forth by DCF and the state of Massachusetts, to recognize and report abuse and neglect as mandated reporters and report/file under Massachusetts law section 51A.

Licenses:

• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation.

Knowledge/Experience:

• High School Diploma and two years’ experience working with families and children, OR a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field.
• Knowledge and experience in the field of Therapeutic Parenting.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Bilingual (Spanish and English) skills preferred.

Skills/Abilities:

• Work collaboratively and in a positive manner with team members within the organization.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including languages necessary to identify client needs in order to communicate clearly and effectively by telephone and in-person, including English and Spanish. 
• Ability to present oneself professionally and pragmatically to families and representatives from other agencies.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

• Ability to accommodate the needs of clients within the community at large.
• Normal range of vision and hearing, with or without correction.
• Walking and climbing is required for entry and mobility through homes, community and offices.
• Must demonstrate good judgement in decision making and determination of information that should be communicated to staff, other supervisors, program managers, etc.
• Ability to work independently.
• Manual dexterity and motor skills to grasp and lift objects.

Why Join Us?

Catholic Charities Worcester County offers a supportive and mission-driven workplace where your work makes a meaningful impact in the community. We value our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package to support their well-being and work-life balance.

Benefits for Full-Time and Part-Time Employees (30 hours/week) include:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Basic Life and AD&D insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Financial Assistance Program
• Paid vacation time (full-time employees earn up to 3 weeks in their first year)
• Paid holidays (17 company holidays in 2025 for full-time employees and for part-time employees scheduled to work on the date of the holiday)

At Catholic Charities, you will be part of a compassionate, collaborative team dedicated to helping individuals and families thrive. Join us and be a part of meaningful change.

Catholic Charities Worcester County is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law.