Parenting Support Specialist

• Job Title: Parenting Support Specialist
• Department: Niagara County Preventive Services
• Title of Immediate Supervisor: Parenting Supervisor or Parenting Coordinator

The Parenting Support Specialist provides trauma-informed, individualized intervention that includes parenting skills assessment and development, family case management, and crisis management. Specialists deliver supervised parenting time and supervised visitation using the OCFS Coached Visitation model, while also offering education, advocacy, and linkage to community services. This role carries a caseload of 7–13 families, meeting with each at least weekly, and plays a key part in helping families build safer, stronger futures.

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.

$24.12 – $25.34/hr to start

105 hours of paid time off in the first year, plus 13 agency holidays

Medical, dental, and life insurance at affordable rates

401k with up to 3% agency match

A supportive agency culture where over 30% of staff have been with us for 10+ years

Ongoing training and supervision

Opportunities to strengthen skills in parenting support, crisis management, and trauma-informed care

Required certifications and continuing education provided or supported by the agency

• Conduct comprehensive family assessments to identify strengths, needs, and goals
• Provide supervised parenting time and visitation using the OCFS Coached Visitation model
• Support parents in developing crisis management and permanency plans
• Educate parents on child development, safety, and positive interventions
• Link families to relevant community-based services and supports
• Provide 24-hour emergency crisis intervention on a rotating basis
• Advocate for families at the individual, agency, and system level
• Maintain regular communication with NCDSS case managers and other service providers
• Attend Family Court hearings and FASP service plan reviews as needed
• Complete accurate and timely documentation in CONNECTIONS and agency systems
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, and agency trainings
• Adhere to normative culture, trauma-informed practices, and NASW Code of Ethics
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Ability to role model agency norms and policies
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with families, staff, and community partners
• Ability to manage crises and provide trauma-informed interventions
• Flexibility, adaptability, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work independently while collaborating within a team

Required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in a human services field with 2 years of related experience OR Master’s Degree in a human services field with 1 year of related experience
• Valid driver’s license, adequate auto insurance, and ability to meet agency driving criteria
• Must pass an annual physical for Category 1 job classification in accordance with New Directions Employee Health policy (includes drug test)

Preferred:

• Experience providing parent skills training, supervising visitation, and linking families to community services

We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable human service organization to apply.