Parent Partner

FLSA: Non-exempt

DEPARTMENT:  Mental Health

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JOB OVERVIEW:  

Parent Partner will mentor parents currently involved in the system. They will be a supportive voice for the family and or act as the “parent’s voice”. They will provide advocacy, support and referral service to clients assigned to their caseload.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Assist in providing field contacts and ensures client’s access to services
• Assist clients and caretakers in linking to community services within the scope of EPI-LA
• Provide in-home support services that demonstrate family-centered, help-give skills and addresses activities within the Client Care/Coordination Plan
• Collaborate with a multi-disciplinary team to address needs of client/families and facilitate community services linkage
• Document all activities in accordance with Medi-Cal regulations and protocol of EPI-LA Services
• Act as liaison between EPI-LA staff, community providers, families, and children, facilitating an alliance to The Whole child mission
• Participate in identifying clients’ needs and triggers (within a strength-based model) to escalation and barriers; makes recommendations to supervisors and treatment team
• Provide teaching and guidance to parents and caregivers to help them manage existing resources and access needed resources (i.e., DCFS, Probation or Mental Health systems)
• Provide individualized treatment planning for clients and clients access and keep appointments, locate resources, etc.
• Develop and maintain positive, supportive relationships with parents and acts as a liaison between client, agency and community resources (including the use of informal supports, natural family helpers) and various services and systems
• Maintain knowledge of program standards and policies developed by The Whole Child and other governing bodies; develop personal and professional knowledge by attending educational workshop; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in in-service programs.
• Contribute to individual/group counseling, providing some education, consultation and other needed services
• Work closely with assigned children’s parent/caregivers to present their best interests
• Report any concerns to appropriate team member as they relate to case management
• Make regular home visits to families
• Educate parents on applicable resources
• Assist parents in developing positive problem-solving skills
• Facilitate interventions as appropriate
• Model appropriate behavioral interventions
• Assist in planning program events
• Participate in staff/team meetings
• Completes paperwork in a timely and thorough manner
• Accompany parents to important meetings (i.e., court proceedings)
• Other related duties as assigned and approved by the Supervisor(s)/Manager(s)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum of 1-2 years of work experience related to providing case management or rehabilitative services in a mental health setting
• Valid California driver’s license and valid auto insurance
• Employee may be asked to participate in cross-training programs or pursue additional education or training when it is determined to be in the best interest of the company by the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Executive Officer

Preferred

• Bilingual (English/Spanish). Additional compensation for proven bilingual skills and ability to translate
• Peer Support Specialist Certifications.

BENEFITS:

• Full benefits package to all positions after 30 days of employment.
• Free standard HMO Health, Dental, and Vision plans offered to employees.
• 401k plan with 4% employer match.
• Paid Vacation Time Off that accrues to 10 days annually and increases with seniority.
• 5 Paid Sick Days annually.
• 14 Paid Holidays annually.
• Bilingual Stipend if applicable.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This description is only intended to identify the duties, responsibilities, and requirements for the position. It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted to describe each and every duty an employee assigned may be required to perform.

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

• Work is performed in a normal office setting, client's homes and the community.
• Noise level is moderate with occasional loud outbursts.
• This is a field-based position and requires 50% driving.
• Will require a personal motor vehicle to frequently travel between offices, housing appointments, and community events.

REASONING ABILITY: 

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time
• Needs to occasionally move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, (i.e., calculator, copy machine and computer printer).
• Constantly converses with staff and clients
• Frequently operates a motor vehicle to travel to school or home site
• Frequently needs to position self in order to effectively interact with children of lesser stature
• Occasionally needs to transport materials (food, clothing, books, etc.) weighing up to 50 pounds for therapeutic activities
• Frequently needs to use motor vehicle for business purposes.

The Whole Child is an equal employment opportunity employer and no candidate for employment will be rejected on account of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, or sex.  Candidates with physical impairments will be considered so long as it can be reasonably demonstrated that the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed without hazard to the individual, fellow employees, or clientele.