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 per hour

Schedule
:
Part‑time, 18 – 20 hours per week (including evenings and occasional weekends based on visiting hours and program needs)

Job Summary
:
The Parent Support Program connects families of justice‑involved youth with the 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, blending hospitality, advocacy, and resource navigation to ensure families feel respected, informed, and supported during visiting procedures, reentry planning, and community connections.

• 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 affecting their young person.
• 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 elevate them 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.
• Lived experience with the juvenile justice or probation system is highly valued.