Lucas County Children Services (Toledo, Ohio) is seeking a Parent Partner for their Support Services Division.

ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

Work with the worker of record, supervisors, and other support workers to strengthen families through assisting them with navigating the child welfare system; keeping families together while keeping their children safe; helping parents reunify with their children; and/or assisting families in overcoming barriers that are often brought upon them, because of poor choices and faulty thinking including substance abuse.  Works with families that may include birth parents, non-custodial parents, relative and kinship members and caregivers, where children can be maintained in their own home, and/or for those who are placed in out of home care with a goal of reunification.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

Provide support, encouragement, and outreach to assigned parents as they navigate the child protection system.   Educate parents about various requirements and help them to understand the court process and terminology associated with their case. Encourage parents to attend and participate in services they have been referred to by their case worker and other professionals involved with the families’ case plan services.   Assist and encourage parents to stay accountable for their own recovery (MH, Substance Abuse, DV, etc.).  Assist assigned families with identifying and accessing natural support systems within the community as well as within their own circle of connections.

In collaboration with the assigned family, provide continual exploration of their needs, strengths, and access to resources that will assist with empowering them to take ownership over their long-term successes and the safety of their children.  Upon request, accompany parents to court proceedings, Family Team Meetings, Case Review Meetings, Drug Court, other agency required meetings including school meetings, etc. to support and assist parents to advocate for themselves and their family’s rights.

Assist with bridging the gap between birth parents, LCCS staff, and if children are in care, with relative/kinship or foster caregivers.  Share insight and understanding with families about personal experiences that may help parents be successful with their own case plan efforts.  Share personal child welfare experiences as a learning tool with other parents, community partners, and child welfare staff.

Collaborate and meet with worker of record and other child protection team members at a minimum of every 30 days or more often for high risk families to discuss progress on case plan services and maintain mutual goals.  Meet with assigned families at a minimum of once a week in the family home.

Co-facilitate parent orientation, Building a Better Future (BABF), Reunification Readiness (RR), & Parent Drop-in workshops.

Participate in all mandated trainings as well as individual and group supervision meetings.

Adhere to all agency polices.  Perform other duties as needed or assigned.

ESSENTIAL BEHAVIORS:  Provide a sense of hope and inspiration to parents involved in the Child Protection System.  Provide empathy and support to families.  Ability to be sensitive to the concerns of parents; and to establish rapport effectively.  Model, promote, and support success and recovery from alcohol, drugs, and other recovery issues.  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

High school diploma or GED; some college or business courses preferred.  Must have a valid Ohio Driver’s License, automobile insurance and reliable vehicle.  Must have or ability to obtain Peer Support Certification through ODMH or OMAS within 6 months. Experience dealing with the court system and an ability to assist others in navigating the child welfare system. Must be able to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings and weekends.  Must have had previous involvement with the child welfare/protection system, additional experience with the juvenile court, mental health and alcohol or other drug systems is preferred.  CPS case must be closed for a minimum of 1.5 years without any new referrals.  Must be substance free for at least two years and provide evidence to support if substance abuse was addressed in prior CPS history. Must request for, and provide a copy of a Central Registry Query upon request by LCCS supervisor/management. The ability to work as a team member with families and child welfare staff.  Basic computer skills (i.e. Word, Excel, Outlook, Virtual platforms).  Have a healthy and stable family situation with no current substantiated CPS involvement.   Ability to work effectively in cross-cultural situations required.                                  

Starting Pay: $17.67

Hours Per Week:  35

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