Nurturing Parenting Program - Parent Educator

Since 1971, A New Leaf has faithfully worked in service to our mission of “Helping Families…Changing Lives,” making a positive impact in the lives of more than 24,000 people each year in the Phoenix Metropolitan area.  Services focus on HEALTH, HOUSING, AND COMMUNITY SERVICES, offering a continuum of support to move households from crisis to long-term health and stability. A New Leaf continues to grow to respond to needs in our community by developing comprehensive, relevant and effective services for vulnerable and underserved families, children, and adults.

Looking for a meaningful career?
The Parent Educator for Nurturing Parenting Program will provide guidance, coaching and support to vulnerable families and children in their homes and communities throughout Maricopa County. The Nurturing Parenting Program provides family centered, trauma informed services designed to build nurturing parenting skills as an alternative to abusive and neglecting parenting and child-rearing practices with parents. This program is an evidence-based practice to promote positive parenting ideas and techniques to reduce risk of child abuse or neglect.

Hourly Pay Rate: $18 - $22 DOE
Schedule: Various days and times, including weekends/evenings
Location: Maricopa County and caseload location is based on the needs of the program

*Required to complete our "New Hire Orientation" held on the first work week of employment, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm; subject to change upon completion of orientation requirements which may grant early release of orientation before Friday; orientation not offered evenings or weekends.

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred, but not required.(Bilingual differential offered)

Nurturing Parenting Program Practitioner I:

• Required - High School diploma or GED + 2 years work experience in the child welfare field.

Nurturing Parenting Program Practitioner II:

• Required: Associate degree in Human Services or related field.

Nurturing Parenting Program Practitioner III:

• Required - Bachelor degree in Human Services or related field or more + 2 years work experience in the child welfare field.

AND FOR ALL LEVELS:

• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of family dynamics and family centered services.
• Demonstrated experience working with multi-problem families.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to access community resources.
• Demonstrated experience in cultural diversity, substance abuse, effects of child abuse and neglect on child development, sexual abuse, mediation, and other interventions.

Primary Responsibilities:

• The Nurturing Parenting Program Practitioner will work directly with families whose children are involved with the Department of Child Safety.
• Documentation for all correspondents, communication, visitation, skill sessions and missed appointments of any kind with the parent/caregiver, ADCS personnel, placement or any other party associated with the case in the case notes.
• Document (verbal and written) and submit significant and routine paperwork such as progress notes, statistics reports, daily activities, special concerns, varied incident reports, etc., as required by the program and submit to appropriate personnel.
• Meet with the parent(s) up to 2 hours a week to provide education and support in developing and strengthening parenting skills using Nurturing Parenting Curriculums.
• Monitor, observe and document all interactions and behaviors between the parent(s) and child(ren) during supervised visits or an in-home observation (i.e., de-escalating hostile situations, modeling proper behavior, utilizing proper communication skills, as well as monitoring all other interactions during visits).
• Work cooperatively with Child Protective Services to develop assessments and plans, provide required periodic reports and attend meetings with CPS staff.
• Develop caring, supportive, and strength-based relationships with all you meet that is culturally competent and trauma-informed.
• Drive your personal vehicle and agency vehicles to conduct program business.

Compliance:

• Must pass pre-employment drug test
• Valid driver’s license with reliable transportation
• Current auto liability insurance
• Must be at least 21 years of age

• Must be able to obtain Class One Fingerprint Clearance Card immediately upon hire (if there are any uncertainties whether an applicant may have to go through an appeal process; they are encouraged to complete that process prior to applying as an invalid card will result in termination of employment)