Peer Parent Advocate

Peer Parent Support Advocacy Position

*Only parents who have had children removed from their care or have been involved with the child welfare system should apply

Introduction

The Family Court of the State of Delaware is seeking to hire a peer parent support advocate (“Peer Parent Advocate”) to work within a multi-disciplinary team on behalf of parents engaged in child welfare proceedings. This position would provide support and perspective from someone with “lived experience” in the child welfare system – having experienced the removal of their children and successful reunification.

Desired Qualifications

An ideal Peer Parent Advocate is one who has achieved successful custodial reunification with their child(ren) following legal removal. Candidates who have navigated Family Court hearings, case planning, and the challenging child welfare legal system as a parentare encouraged to apply. Those who have experienced an investigation, safety planning, or other types of child welfare system interaction as a parentwill also be considered.

Required qualifications include:

· Child welfare experience as a parent

· Clear understanding of the dynamics of substance use disorder, mental health, domestic violence, and poverty-related issues

· Experience working with marginalized communities and a commitment to social justice

· Ability to work independently, respectfully, and collaboratively with all stakeholders – including lawyers, non-lawyers, social workers, and staff

· Familiarity with community-based resources (this position is primarily based in Sussex County, Delaware)

Preferred qualifications:

· Bilingual in Spanish

· Experience in advocacy, social work, case management, or peer support

· Independent transportation

· Knowledge of Sussex County, Delaware and surrounding areas

Responsibilities of Position

The Peer Parent Advocate will serve as a vital component of a parent’s legal team. Under the current model in Sussex County, parents work with their parent attorney and a parent engagement social worker. The Peer Parent Advocate’s role will be to provide support and guidance from an experienced perspective while the parent works on their case plan and strives for reunification with their child.

Specific tasks include:

· Working closely with the parent to help achieve reunification as quickly as possible

· Providing parents with practical support and information – including up-to-date information on available community resources

· Working closely with the parent engagement social worker as a component of the parent client’s legal defense team

· Attending hearings in Family Court

· Advocating for the parent at various meetings with key stakeholders

· Keeping adequate records and data for each case

· Assist the parent in accessing and maintaining enrollment in services

· Providing non-judgmental support for parents as they navigate the toll of removal and the stress of the child welfare system

Salary

This position pays $20 per hour with a maximum of 40 hours available per week. This is an independent contractor position and the Peer Parent Advocate is not considered an employee of the State of Delaware and/or Family Court. It does not include any benefits and you are responsible for withholding your own taxes and paying any 1099 tax requirements of an independent contractor. Payment is bi-weekly via direct deposit.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: From $20.00 per hour

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Georgetown, DE 19947: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Addiction counseling: 1 year (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

Salary : $20 - $0