Parent Partner

ABOUT LA CHEIM

La Cheim has been providing a robust continuum of care for nearly 50 years to help children and adults who were previously unreachable. Our non-public school, community mental health center, therapeutic behavioral services program, and Short-Term Residential Treatment Program offer educational and mental health services throughout Alameda and Contra Costa County. 

Our team is made up of teachers, art therapists, counselors, psychiatrists, psychologists, RNs, social workers, MFTs, and mentors who are known for their caliber and compassion. They create life-changing experiences for those they serve. All La Cheim programs embrace and apply a Trauma-Informed approach to addressing emotional and behavioral issues.

By joining La Cheim you will be part of a supportive community serving an inspiration mission. You will enjoy rich benefits, valuable training and wellness opportunities, close support, and room to grow. 

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Parent Partner matches parent mentors, who themselves have a past involvement with county systems, including the mental health system (lived experience), with parents who are currently working within those systems. The purpose of the role is to support parents in understanding how to successfully navigate systems and find support for their families and focus on the goal of keeping families together and out of the system.

Parent Partners are role models who provide guidance based on a combination of training and first-hand personal experiences. Empowering and coaching parents through the process with county systems, the courts, and other system representatives is an important aspect of this work. Some weekend and evening availability required.

The physical duties associated with this position are consistent with duties associated with work performed in an office setting. This job description serves only as a general description of anticipated day-to-day responsibilities of the position. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” employment relationship. The Chief Program Officer retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time. To perform this job successfully, you must be able to carry out each essential job function satisfactorily.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

1. Personal experience navigating county and state systems, and parenting children with mental health needs, required.


2. A minimum of 2 years post systems involvement in Child Protection Services (CPS) or criminal justice system (if applicable).


3. High school diploma or GED, or high school level reading and writing skills, preferred


4. Experience working in a nonprofit setting preferred.


5. Valid CA Drivers’ License, access to reliable transportation, valid car insurance and the ability to meet La Cheim’s driving record requirements.


6. Must be able to pass all required tests and clearances (Live Scan (DOJ, FBI, Guardian, TB test, etc.)


7. Knowledge and experience working with culturally and racially diverse populations in lower socio-economic conditions


8. Ability to speak multiple languages is highly valued


9. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines


10. Understands the importance of customer service and being professional.


11. Demonstrates skills in conflict management.


12. Computer literate with skills in MS Office


13. Ability to maintain a good working relationship with all co-workers.


14. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.


15. Use good judgment in recognizing the scope of authority.


16. Ability to travel to client sites within 15 mile radius of the office.

PROFESSIONAL ATTRIBUTES

1. Willingness to learn a variety of tasks, possesses excellent communication skills, a thorough understanding of nonprofit practices, a serious work ethic, and a desire to work in a team-orientated environment.


2. Possesses the ability to work independently, establish priorities, and meet deadlines. 


3. Understands the importance of customer service and being professional.


4. Knowledge and experience with diverse groups of people of lower socioeconomic conditions.


5. Demonstrate skills in conflict management.


6. Competency in MS Office: Word, Access, Publisher, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.


7. Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.


8. Ability to maintain a good working relationship with all co-workers and the general public. Must use good judgment in recognizing the scope of authority.


9. Functions as a “team player,” prioritizing the organization’s best interests.


10. Proactively identifies opportunities for improvement and ways to contribute.


11. Exhibits creativity, adaptability, openness, and a high level of professionalism.


12. Possesses strong organizational and interpersonal skills.


13. Maintains confidentiality with discretion.


14. Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.


15. Works effectively independently and pays close attention to detail.


16. Collaborate well with other agency staff.


17. Outstanding organizational and time management abilities.


18. Exhibit a strong professional commitment and represent La Cheim effectively while engaging with the community.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The following is the extent of the specific activity required for this position:

1. Stairs – climbing stairs up to 50-100 – up to 2-4 hours, not continuously.


2. Sitting – up to 2 hours, not continuously; standing – up to 4 hours, not continuously


3. Walking – up to 2 hours, not continuously; bending over – up to 1 hour, not continuously.


4. Crawling – up to 0 hours; climbing – up to 0 hours, reaching overhead – up to a few minutes.


5. Crouching – up to ½ hour, not continuously; kneeling – up to a few minutes


6. Balancing – up to 0 hours; pushing or pulling – up to a few minutes.


7. Lifting or carrying – 25 pounds or less; repetitive use of feet – up to 0 hours


8. Repetitive use of hands – up to 0 hours


9. Grasping – with one or both, simple and firm, for up to 1 hour, not continuously


10. Fine dexterity - either hand up to 1 hour, not continuously Auditory and visual acuity – 8 hours within normal limits and maybe with glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids.


11. Driving cars and vans; Exposure to uneven concrete and blacktop


12. Exposure to normal dust, heat, and noise


13. Exposure to emotionally disturbed students who may be physically and verbally violent and require safe physical management.


14. Frequent exposure to office equipment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Parent Support* 75%

1. Develop a trusting relationship with assigned parents.


2. Regular contact and visits with parents.


3. Support parents with addiction treatment services and community resources as needed.


4. Support parents in making positive choices.


5. Empower parents to advocate for themselves and their family.


6. Coach parents in understanding the boundaries and expectations of court mandates.


7. Attend court and/or support meeting when requested by parents.


8. Models and encourages direct, professional communication.

Collateral and Documentation* 25%

1. Document all visits with parents, including contact information, on a weekly basis


2. Attend all trainings as required.


3. Maintain confidential information.


4. Make calls to program participants to complete a survey on their experience in Wraparound; this occurs biannually.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Complete all required trainings as assigned


2. Attend all mandatory meetings


3. Meet regularly for individual oversight with supervisor(s)


4. Other duties may be required as La Cheim continues its development. Employees are expected to be flexible and responsive to changes in the scope of duties.


5. Understand and embody La Cheim's philosophy, organizational culture, and communication channels by practicing a collaborative approach.


6. Complete any additional tasks assigned by the Supervisor, Department Head, and/or CEO

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

La Cheim School, Inc. is committed to diversity in its programming and in creating a staff reflective of the populations of the San Francisco Bay Area, and will not discriminate against applicants, employees, or unpaid veterans. We encourage and actively recruit applicants representing diversity of race, color, age, sex, race, religion, national origin, sex/gender expression and physical ability.