Parenting Support Specialist

Parenting Support Specialist The role of the Parenting Support Specialist is to provide trauma informed, individualized intervention that includes parenting skills assessment and development, family case management, and crisis management. The Parenting Support Specialist will provide Supervised Parenting time and Supervised Visitation using the Coached visitation model developed by OCFS. The Parenting Support Specialist will meet with families a minimum of once/week for one hour or more based on the individual needs of the family and as identified by Niagara County Department of Social Services (NCDSS). The Parenting Support Specialist will carry a caseload ranging from 7-13 families. New Directions Youth & Family Services is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti-racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we work in partnership with.

AssessmentEngages family in a comprehensive assessment process that helps to identify family strengths, needs, and goals. Reviews family life areas including: educational/vocational, home/parenting, community, medical/mental health/substance abuse, and legal/financial. Partners with parents to complete self-assessments Utilizes evidence based assessments as available including AAPI and Ages & Stages Questionnaire Permanency and Care Planning Support families with identification of additional family resources that can contribute to increased time spent as a family while the children are in care and/or provide alternative discharge resources Partner with parents to identify goals and methods of achieving goals Support parents with understanding goals identified by Family Court and Social Services Works with family to develop a crisis management plan and list of resources to ensure safety of all family members. Intervention and Skill Development Support parents whose children are placed outside the home with achieving goals that will expedite the children returning home from foster care Support parents with addressing safety and risk concerns in the home that could prevent their children from returning home, or for children living at home will prevent removal Provide coaching and feedback during Supervised Parenting sessions and Supervised Family Visitation sessions using the OCFS Coached visitation model Provides family with information about and linkage/referral to relevant community-based services. Provides information related to child developmental stages and appropriate expectations/rules/limits, engages family in skill-building activities, and models appropriate interventions. Provides 24-hour emergency crisis interventions services as necessary and participates in rotating weekend on-call duties. Advocates on the individual, agency, and system level to secure needed services, supports parents and caregivers with development of self-advocacy skills Meets with families for a minimum of one hour/week, or more as identified by the permanency plan Communication and Collaboration Maintains routine contact with NCDSS Case Manager and other service providers. Attends NC Family Court and periodic FASP Service Plan Reviews as needed. Supports co-workers with case coverage during absences. Ensures coverage is available for own absences DocumentationCompletes well composed progress notes reflecting all contacts in CONNECTIONS utilizing progress note format identified by New Directions. Completes all documentation in a timely manner consistent with program standards Maintains and assures the confidentiality of case records and information and obtains releases of information as necessary to ensure coordination of services. Agency Standards/Norms Participate in regular supervision (per New Directions policy and procedure) Collaborate with team members for case coverage and consultation Participate in regularly scheduled team meetings Maintain a flexible schedule including evening and weekend availability. Communicates schedule to supervisor on a daily basis and updates as applicable Attend all mandatory in-service trainings as per NDYFS policy and LDSS requirements Participate in continuing education as needed to maintain a level of expertise in the field. Adhere to agency and department policies and procedures Utilize normative culture and trauma informed care Adhere to the Code of Ethics prescribed by the National Association of Social Workers Perform all other duties as assigned by immediate supervisor