Parent Advocate

Parent Advocate

New Alternatives For Children is an award‑winning not‑for‑profit agency in Midtown Manhattan dedicated to serving children and families with medical complexity, chronic health conditions, significant disabilities, and behavioral challenges. We are seeking a Parent Advocate to join our Foster Care/Adoption Department.

Position Details

• Title: Parent Advocate
• Department: Foster Care/Adoption Department
• Supervisor: Foster Care Unit Supervisor
• Type: Full‑time
• Salary Range: $40,000 – $42,000
• Location: 825 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019

Description of Responsibilities

• Collaborate with foster care staff on the successful engagement of birth parents.
• Provide direct support to birth parents, including conducting home and community visits.
• Prepare parents for and participate at Family Team Conferences.
• Assist parents in utilizing community services, communicating effectively about their foster care case and meeting service plan goals.
• Inform parents of their rights, and educate and advocate for them in family court.
• Help parents remain connected to their children during foster care placement, supporting family time.
• Support the “Parent to Parent” concept and educate foster parents on issues common to families with children in foster care.
• Act as agency representative at Community Partner Initiative meetings.
• Attend NAC, ACS and RISE training sessions as appropriate.
• Perform all duties assigned.

Qualifications

• A parent who has experienced a child welfare investigation that threatened or resulted in removal of their child.
• High school diploma or equivalent (minimum).
• Proficiency in Spanish and English preferred.
• Good communication skills; strong engagement and interpersonal skills.
• Sensitivity to cultural strengths and differences.
• Experience parenting a child with complex medical, developmental or behavioral needs preferred.

Training

• Be trained by RISE training and remain engaged with RISE, creating an ongoing network of support.

Hours

• Full‑time; may require evening work with clients who need to be seen after 5 PM.

Equal Opportunity Statement

New Alternatives For Children, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.