Parent Intake Advocate

Title: Parent Intake Advocate

Reports To: Program Coordinator, Parent Support Services

Work Locations:

• Crossroads Secure Facility – 17 Bristol Street, Brooklyn, NY 11208
• Good Shepherd Justice Initiatives Office – 692 Blake Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11207

Salary: $24.72 – $27.47/hourly

Schedule: Part‑Time 18 – 20 hours per week (schedule varies based on visiting hours and program needs, may include evenings and occasional weekends)

Job Summary:

The Parent Support Program connects families of justice‑involved youth with guidance, education, and emotional support needed to navigate the juvenile justice system. The Parent Intake Advocate serves as a welcoming point of contact for parents and caregivers. This role blends hospitality, advocacy, and resource navigation. The Parent Intake Advocate ensures families feel respected, informed, and supported as they navigate visiting procedures, reentry planning, and community connections.

This role is ideal for someone compassionate, organized, and passionate about uplifting families during high‑stress moments. Lived experience with the juvenile justice or probation system is highly valued.

• Warmly greet and welcome families during visiting hours to create a positive, dignified experience.
• Host and facilitate a monthly support group for caregivers of detained youth.
• Engage caregivers through active listening to understand concerns and challenges placing their young person at risk.
• Encourage families to stay involved in case planning and maintain strong engagement throughout their child’s involvement in the juvenile justice system.
• Plan and host special events, celebrations, and family‑focused activities that promote unity and connection.

• Provide surrogate visits for youth whose families cannot attend in person, ensuring no young person feels disconnected or alone.
• Assist caregivers in preparing for their child’s return home by helping identify appropriate schools, mental health support, and community resources.
• Identify crisis situations or high‑risk concerns and escalates to supervisory or clinical staff following agency protocol.

• Conduct intake interviews via phone or in‑person to collect demographic information, assess eligibility, and introduce families to available services.
• Provide immediate and accurate information about community resources such as housing supports, childcare, mentoring programs, mental health services, and more.
• Maintain accurate and confidential data in agency systems, including family information, services provided, and visit records.
• Assist with gathering, organizing, and preparing data for monthly and quarterly reporting.
• Collaborate with DOP/DFYJ staff and internal team members to ensure smooth, supportive “warm hand‑offs” for follow‑up services.

• High School Diploma or GED required, some college preferred.
• Experience in social services, youth programs, or family support preferred.
• Familiarity with the juvenile justice or probation system, or willingness to learn.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including group facilitation.
• Ability to support families in high‑stress, emotionally charged situations with empathy and patience.
• Comfortable completing routine data entry and maintaining accurate records.
• Flexibility to work during detention visiting hours, including evenings and occasional weekends.