What are the responsibilities and job description for the Parent Aide position at Destination Families Together Initiative LLC?
Parent Aide, Independent Contractor
Destination Families Together Initiative, LLC (DFTI) is seeking compassionate and dependable Parent Aides to provide services to children and parents involved in Missouri's child welfare system.
This is currently a 1099 independent contractor position with the potential to transition to W-2 employment in the future as DFTI continues to grow.
Our Parent Aides provide supervised parent-child visitation while helping parents strengthen parenting skills, build healthy relationships with their children, and create safe, positive interactions. This is a hands-on role. Parent Aides do more than simply observe visits. They provide encouragement, model appropriate parenting techniques, offer in-the-moment coaching and redirection, and objectively document parent-child interactions.
DFTI is looking for individuals who genuinely enjoy working with children and families, can remain neutral and professional in challenging situations, and believe families deserve meaningful support as they work toward safe and lasting outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Provide Parent Aide Services, including supervised parent-child visitation, in accordance with referrals, case requirements, safety plans, and DFTI policies
- Maintain child safety while encouraging natural and meaningful interactions between parents and their children
- Observe parent-child interactions and provide in-the-moment parenting coaching, modeling, guidance, and redirection
- Help parents practice age-appropriate parenting skills including supervision, communication, routines, discipline strategies, play, feeding, and other caregiving responsibilities
- Encourage parents to recognize and appropriately respond to their children's emotional, developmental, and physical needs
- Support age-appropriate activities that encourage positive parent-child interaction
- Recognize parenting strengths while identifying areas where additional coaching or support may be beneficial
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries with parents, children, caregivers, and members of the Family Support Team
- Communicate professionally with Children's Division case managers, contracted agencies, caregivers, and DFTI leadership when appropriate
- Complete timely, detailed, and objective documentation of services
- Follow mandated reporting requirements and DFTI procedures when safety concerns arise
- Intervene, redirect, pause, or end visits when necessary to protect the safety and well-being of a child
- Maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive family and case information
- Travel to approved service locations within the contractor's accepted service area
Contractor Schedule & Caseload
This position offers significant scheduling flexibility. As an independent contractor, Parent Aides generally build and manage their own schedules based on the referrals they accept, family availability, case requirements, and required visitation frequency.
A typical full caseload may provide approximately 30–32 billable service hours per week, depending on available referrals and family scheduling. DFTI is currently seeking contractors who are available to accept at least approximately 20 billable service hours per week.
Because services are scheduled around families and children, availability during afternoons, evenings, and/or weekends may be necessary for some referrals.
Referral volume and billable hours may vary and are not guaranteed.
Compensation & Travel
- $18.00 to $20.00 per approved billable service hour
- 1099 independent contractor position
- Potential opportunity to transition to W-2 employment
- Contractors are responsible for their own applicable taxes and expenses
- Travel within the contractor's accepted service area is required
Qualifications
- Experience working with children and/or families strongly preferred
- Experience in child welfare, family support, behavioral health, education, childcare, foster care, healthcare, social services, or a related setting is beneficial
- Strong written communication and objective documentation skills
- Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills
- Ability to interact with families respectfully and without judgment while maintaining accountability and professional boundaries
- Ability to remain calm, professional, and objective during difficult or emotionally charged situations
- Comfortable providing respectful parenting coaching, modeling, and redirection
- Ability to work independently and manage scheduling responsibilities
- Dependable and able to maintain scheduled commitments with families
- Reliable transportation, valid driver's license, and current automobile insurance
- Ability to successfully complete required background screenings
- CPR and First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification within DFTI's required timeframe
- Ability to complete required initial and ongoing training
- Basic computer and technology skills necessary for electronic documentation
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and comply with mandated reporting requirements
About DFTI
Destination Families Together Initiative believes families sometimes need more than a referral or a list of resources. Our approach combines compassion with accountability and focuses on practical, hands-on support that helps families strengthen relationships, overcome barriers, and work toward safe and lasting outcomes for their children.
Supporting the Journey Home.
Pay: $18.00 - $20.00 per hour
Work Location: On the road
Salary : $18 - $20