Parent Advocate; Preventive Services

About The Role

Parent Advocates support families involved with the child welfare/protective system at the time of their initial Child Safety Conference. Advocates work closely with ACS, and Brooklyn and Queens-based organizations/programs. With their own prior lived experience of the child welfare system, Advocates authentically and effectively inform and support parents; help improve the sensitivity and practice of child welfare professionals; and promote positive, equitable permanency outcomes for children and families.

Advocates help ensure parents understand their situation and options, the processes, roles, and responsibilities of stakeholders, and promote effective communication and transparency. Primary involvement is in the Initial Child Safety Conference, the start of the parent’s child welfare involvement; they support parents, build rapport, and help navigate community resources and services. The Parent Advocate works primarily out of ACS field offices with some travel among field offices and Rising Ground Hubs.

• Build rapport and support parents in coping with the trauma of child welfare/protective system involvement, making decisions for their families, and communicating effectively with those involved in their case.
• Work with socially, economically, culturally, and ethnically diverse groups in a mutually respectful manner using a strengths-based and flexible approach.
• Prepare parents and participate in Child Safety Conferences.
• Emphasize with parents the importance of involvement in planning, preparing for court dates, voicing concerns, and requesting help when needed.
• Collaborate with individuals in crisis to identify and/or develop coping skills.
• Report to the Advocate Supervisor and work collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary teams with ACS field offices staff and multiple community-based service providers.
• Collaborate with other providers and community support to help families meet their needs and navigate resources.
• Coach parents to strengthen problem‑solving skills while discovering their strengths, hopes, dreams, and priorities.
• Actively participate in team meetings and supervisory sessions, including daily scheduling check‑ins.
• Maintain accurate job‑related reports and documentation and submit them on a timely basis.
• Complete assigned training as required.
• Maintain a flexible work schedule.
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

• Minimum High School Diploma.
• Strong knowledge of community resources and services.
• Warm, enthusiastic, and able to engage and positively impact individuals.
• Someone who has a sincere appreciation for people and how they are each uniquely motivated.
• Strong interpersonal skills to assist with parent engagement and are geared towards working sensitively on topics involving trauma, stress, and healing.
• Good oral and writing skills.
• Computer skills conducting Google searches and using Microsoft Office.
• Skilled at working in a fast‑paced environment on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Passion for parent leadership and preventing child welfare involvement.
• Able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.

• Authorized to work in the U.S.
• Ability to work in‑person in New York City (NY) for at least 3 days or more per week.
• Ability to travel to other Rising Ground sites (if required).
• Able to uphold the mission and values of Rising Ground.
• Ability to travel within the community and conduct visits.

Per‑Diem. Monday – Friday 9:30‑2:30 pm and/or 11‑4 pm. May be requested to work extended hours due to conferences. Other locations:
Brooklyn/Queens.

Office / Field.

No

• 11 Paid Holidays
• Paid Sick Time
• Paid Vacation
• Paid Personal Days

• Medical – 3 plan options
• Dental – 2 plan options
• Vision – 1 plan option