Position:  Parent Advocate

Accountability:   Reports to PEP Program Supervisor

Job Status:  Regular, Full Time, Non- Exempt (hourly)

Date Revised:  March 2025

The Parent Engagement Program was developed by Alameda County to improve outcomes for families involved with the Child Welfare system. The strength of the Parent Engagement Program is our staff. Our Parent Advocates all have personal experience successfully navigating the Child Welfare system. With professional development, specialized training, and support, they are able to turn their experience into expertise – offering hope and guidance to other parents who are currently involved with the Alameda County Child Welfare system.

Job summary: 

As a Parent Advocate, you will work directly with parents involved in the Alameda County Child Welfare system advocating for and assisting them in successfully navigating this system. The Parent Advocate will collaborate with Alameda County Child Welfare Workers to support parents in engaging in their case plan activities and developing clear understanding of the issues that brought their family to the attention of Alameda County Department of Children and Family Services. The Parent Advocate will also contribute to Alameda County program and policy development by providing their insight and expertise as “the parent voice” in a variety of settings as requested by the Department of Children and Family Services. As a Parent Advocate, you will receive support from the Parent Engagement Program management team in the form of training, professional development, reflective supervision, and administrative support.

Qualifications: 

• A birth parent who has successfully navigated the  Alameda County Child Welfare System as a client, who has exhibited exceptional qualities in their own efforts to reunify, and carried out viable permanency plans for their children.
• Ability to work directly with parents and to collaborate with Alameda County staff in order to deliver appropriate and supportive services to families. 
• Ability to engage cross-culturally with diverse clientele and community partners, providing culturally relevant and sensitive support. 
• Ability to engage professionally with parents, supervisors, peers, community partners and County staff.
• Personal experience connecting with community resources and ability to support families in accessing all needed community resources. 
• Willingness to engage in personal and professional development in order to develop new skills and meet the challenges of the position.
• Willingness to engage in reflective practices and utilize other clinical approaches in identifying and addressing personal      issues which may affect or be affected by working with families involved with the Child welfare system
• Demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills
• Basic computer skills and/or commitment to receive training in this area
• Ability to pass a background clearance and TB test 
• Valid California driver’s license, a clear driving record, availability of personal vehicle, and personal vehicle insurance coverage.
•  Willingness to work overtime as needed, including some evening and weekend events.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend Emergency Removal, Considered Removal, Case Planning and Review Child and Family Team (CFTs) meetings to help ensure that families’ concerns are heard and addressed
• Support parents with connecting to resources within their community to help parents address their basic needs and safety concerns. 
• Clarify and demystify Child Welfare and Juvenile Court systems and jargon for families.
• Work with parents to address case plan requirements and develop positive relationships with their Child Welfare Workers; including participate in joint meetings between Child Welfare workers and parents
• Provide weekly face to face home visits and phone calls with parents in order to provide them with emotional and practical support as they navigate the Child Welfare system (parent visits conducted in-person within the community or parents’ residence)
• Assist parents with prioritizing their goals and case plan requirements.
• Serve as a      role model by demonstrating effective communication skills with Child Welfare Workers, other County staff, and community partners
• Facilitate Parent Support Groups, Parent Orientation Classes, and informational classes orienting parents to the Child Welfare and Juvenile Court systems
• Facilitate icebreaker meetings between birth parents and resource parents
• Provide training to Alameda County Child Welfare Workers, Parent Attorneys, and other community partners
• Co-facilitate Parent Support Groups and other parent training development events 
• Participate in weekly individual and group reflective supervision; bi-monthly group processing 
• Participate in required agency and county in-service trainings 
• Maintain accurate case documentation and complete all paperwork by deadlines 
• Meet and maintain all contract deliverables by deadlines 
• Communicate daily schedules and plans clearly to supervisor and other relevant parties
• Maintain close contact with supervisor through email and cell phone contact (equipment provided)
• Meet and maintain all program contract deliverables by deadlines 
• Perform all other duties as necessary for the good of the program and agency

Work Environment

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office setting. 

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand, talk and hear. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some evenings and weekends are required. 

Travel

Local travel to various worksites is required

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Employees must pass a background check and receive TB and health clearances prior to employment

A Better Way is committed to workforce diversity. Qualified applicants will receive full consideration without regard to age, race, color, ethnic background, religion, gender, sexual orientation, HIV-status, national origin or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.