Family Representation Unit Peer Parent Advocate

POSITION TITLE: Peer Parent Advocate

DEPARTMENT: Family Representation Unit of Community Legal Aid Society, Inc. (CLASI)

REPORTS TO: Social Work Supervisor

STATUS: Full-Time

LOCATION: New Castle County (Preferred)

POSITION SUMMARY: The Family Representation Unit Peer Parent Advocate provides family-centered support to parents involved in child welfare and custody proceedings with Division of Family Services (DFS). This position is for a parent who has experience with the child welfare system as a parent. The Peer Parent Advocate works closely with attorneys, social workers, paralegals and advocates to strengthen families, support reunification efforts, and address barriers that impact parental capacity and court outcomes. The Peer Parent Advocate plays a critical role in helping parents navigate child welfare systems while promoting family stability, resilience, and long-term success.

SALARY: Starting at $45,524 and based on experience and CLASI’s collective bargaining agreement; excellent benefits. (Details on salary scale and benefits package can be found here.) 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Provide emotional support and resources to clients;
  • Assist parents in understanding court processes, service plans, and DFS requirements and assist with navigation through systems;
  • Support clients in meeting case plan goals related to (if applicable):
    • Parenting education
    • Mental health treatment
    • Substance use services
    • Housing stability
    • Employment and financial security
    • Domestic Violence services
  • Advocate for parents’ needs within child welfare, court, and service systems;
  • Communicate with DFS caseworkers, service providers, and community partners as needed to help support the needs of clients;
  • Support parents during meetings, hearings, visits and case conferences when appropriate;
  • Assist clients in obtaining documentation and verification of service participation;
  • Identify and address systemic barriers impacting reunification and permanency;
  • Participate in interdisciplinary case staffing with attorneys, social workers, and other FRU staff members;
  • Connect families with community-based resources, including:
    • Parenting programs
    • Mental health and substance use treatment
    • Housing assistance
    • Transportation support
    • Childcare resources
    • Public benefits
  • Monitor client engagement with services and provide follow-up support;
  • Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case records and time-keeping records;
  • Enter case information into electronic case management systems;
  • Ensure compliance with ethical, legal, and organizational standards;
  • Protect client confidentiality at all times;
  • Participate in community outreach and family education initiatives;
  • Support program evaluation and reporting as needed;
  • Assist with training and professional development activities and be prepared to participate in professional development opportunities both in-state and out-of-state.
  • Must be able and willing to travel across counties as needed and be prepared to attend hearings in person in the Family Courts multiple times per week;
  • Participate in Family Court trainings and meetings;
  • Fulfill any other reasonably related program duties.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience as a parent in the child welfare system;
  • Independent transportation;
  • Knowledge of New Castle County and surrounding areas;
  • Bilingual or multilingual abilities preferred.

CLASI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all laws governing fair hiring practices. We welcome applications from interested candidates of all backgrounds. 

TO APPLY: Please email your cover letter and resume to Nicole T. Justice at njustice@declasi.org

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

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