Parenting Education Specialist

Description

Office

Location:

Kalamazoo

Travel Service Locations:
Allegan, Barry, and Van Buren County

Provides direct in‑home services to families referred by Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) workers when abuse or neglect has been investigated and substantiated, allowing families to receive increased supportive services to prevent out‑of‑home placement or to return children who are in out‑of‑home placement. Services may include teaching through psychoeducation, coaching, modeling, and reinforcement of home and life management skills, health and nutrition, safe sleep practices, and appropriate parenting that meets the specific needs of the children.

This position requires a flexible work schedule, which may include weekends, evenings, and/or holidays.

• Provide home or community‑based education and support for families using an evidence‑based modality consistent with contract requirements.
• Accept and manage referrals from DHHS to maintain annual unit targets.
• Complete assessments using evidence‑based inventories as required.
• Prepare written reports according to prescribed format and timelines to maintain contract compliance and model fidelity.
• Complete all case documentation in accordance with established timelines.
• Communicate with the referring worker regularly through face‑to‑face contact, telephone, written reports, and attendance at Family Team Meetings.
• Collaborate with the legal system and provide court testimony if needed.
• Maintain a flexible schedule with non‑traditional hours (evenings, weekends, holidays) to accommodate family schedules.
• Transport clients as needed.
• Attend agency‑mandated trainings and other program trainings as required.
• Attend required unit meetings and activities.
• Collaborate with community organizations to access goods and services for clients.
• Be knowledgeable about and actively support culturally competent, recovery‑based practices; person‑centered planning; and a trauma‑informed culture.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.
• Commit to valuing diversity in all forms and to promoting diversity in the workplace and community.
• Demonstrate the agency’s workplace values:
  Respect, Integrity, Service, and Empowerment.

Employment type:

Full‑time

Sign‑on bonus: $500

Eligibility will be contingent upon successful completion of a pre‑employment drug screen, background check, reference verification, and required child welfare clearances.

• Excellent clinical and engagement skills.
• Strong communication skills and awareness of cultural differences within service populations.
• Professional appearance and friendly manner.
• Dependable and punctual.
• Courteous and personable when dealing with the public.
• Self‑directed, willing to take initiative, organized, and detail‑oriented.
• Respect and maintain confidentiality of those served by Family & Children Services.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word and Excel).
• Must have a personal vehicle to transport clients.
• Ability to visually assess safety of the environment and physical well‑being of children in the home.

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related Human Services field from an accredited institution, or an Associate’s degree (or 72 hours) working toward a bachelor’s degree.
• At least one year of experience working with children/youth/families.
• Experience working with diverse economic and cultural populations.
• Desired education, training, or knowledge of the impact of trauma on individuals, children, and families.
• Trained or willing to be trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED.

Language skills:
Ability to read, interpret, and write routine reports and correspondence; effectively present information to staff, service recipients, court, and others.

Reasoning ability:
Apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form and to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

Certificates, licenses, registrations:
Valid Michigan driver’s license, valid auto insurance, and driving record that complies with agency policy. Must have a personal auto for required travel.

Flexibility in scheduling and remote opportunities. Duties include sitting, using hands to handle items, reaching, talking, and hearing. Requires close vision. Must stand, walk, carry infants in car seats, and assist youth into car seats. Must climb stairs and enter cluttered homes. May be exposed to dust, cigarette smoke, pet dander, and typical household conditions. Travel is required to all areas within the service area, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Work environment:
Non‑structured, unpredictable; noise level usually moderate.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds.