Description

The Parent Support Specialist is responsible for providing a broad range of services to a diverse group of pregnant/parenting young adults up to age 25 and their children. Services include case management, health promotion, parenting and child development coaching, obtaining housing, and connection to community resources. The position functions as part of the Homeless Youth Continuum and works in partnership with partner organizations.  Services are provided in a variety of settings, including a drop in day program, transitional housing, home visits, and other community locations.

Essential Duties

• Provide individualized case management and support to children and parents.
• Conduct intake services, needs, and family assessments, developmental screenings, and crisis support for assigned clients.
• Support parents and encourage the safety and healthy development of their children.
• Initiate and maintain connections with other Outside In programs, including on-site clinic and transitional housing to support client needs and goals.
• Work with clients to develop and enhance problem-solving abilities and skill building related to budgeting, nutrition, healthy relationships, crisis management, etc.
• Provide information and referrals, as needed, to other community services and partnering agencies. 
• Engage and advocate for clients with DHS and navigate legal support in custody processes.
• Make mandatory reports as needed concerning parenting behaviors/incidents.
• Facilitate the connection of clients to support services, including housing, child welfare, childcare, nutrition, educational services, etc.
• Provide prenatal, parenting, and child-development education and facilitate connection of clients with community healthcare services and/or labor/delivery classes.
• Provide community-based outreach services, including home visits (climbing stairs at apartments is frequent) and early childhood education.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case notes and documentation of all services provided.
• Assist with gathering and compiling any data required for reporting.
• Attend program and team meetings.
• Model and encourage direct, professional communication among staff, volunteers, and partnering agencies and facilitate development of a positive supportive network.
• Other duties as required for this work and team.

Qualifications

Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge

• Demonstrated knowledge of infant and toddler development.
• Knowledge of different learning styles and flexibility to establish rapport with clients and their children.

Skills

• Values and demonstrated ability working in a multicultural/diverse environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work with young children and parents in individual and group settings. 
• Ability to work effectively individually, within a team, and collaboratively with community partners and as part of a coordinated multi-agency team effort.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with a broad range of individuals, including clients, community partners, co-workers, and management.
• Ability to maintain client and program files in accordance with agency and program requirements.
• Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries in working with others and in handling confidential information.
• Openness to feedback and supervision.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule which may include some evening and weekend hours.
• Ability to regularly attend and be punctual for scheduled work shifts and be in a condition suitable for assuming responsibilities of the position.

Education  Experience

• Education and training relevant to the position which could include college level courses in early childhood education and development, medical care, social work, education, public health; or other related equivalent education, training, and experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of related experience.
• Experience working with at-risk youth and/or demonstrated knowledge of issues faced by homeless adolescents.
• Requires ability to do home visits and transport clients. A valid driver’s license and a driving record allowing for coverage under the Agency’s liability coverage and use of ZipCar.
• Experience working with young children (0-5) and families.

Working Conditions

This job is located in a standard office environment at our Downtown Clinic located at 1132 SW 13th Ave Portland, OR 97205. Travel is expected to support clients in the field.  

Physical Requirements

This job requires operating phones, computers, and other office equipment. Communicating is required on a regular basis. Moving inside the building to other offices and program delivery spaces as well as driving to homes and other locations is expected. Sporadically moves boxes and/or items weighing up to (20) pounds

Salary : $25 - $28