Peer Parent Advocate
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Job Location:
Pittsburgh, PA - USA
Monthly Salary:
Not Disclosed
Posted on:
8 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Neighborhood Legal Services seeks to hire a Peer Parent Advocate for the Family Defense Project!
Pittsburgh Office Posting # 315
Job Title: Peer Parent Advocate Pittsburgh Office
Department: Legal Services
Reports to: Managing Attorney
The Family Defense Project provides the highest quality of legal representation and handles all functions in representing parents in dependency cases who cannot be represented by the Juvenile Court Project (JCP) due to a conflict of interest. This includes prioritizing client relationships and communications a commitment to case preparation and strong advocacy inside and outside of court. This also includes working in tandem with the multidisciplinary team to ensure that parents receive support and services that are well-tailored to expedite safe lasting reunification of the family.
The Peer Parent Advocate will team with attorneys paralegals social workers and parental support advocates in an interdisciplinary model of legal representation to represent parents involved in child welfare dependency and termination of parental rights cases in Allegheny County. The Peer Parent Advocate will collaborate and coordinate all activities with the staff attorney assigned to the case in order to determine that the needs of the parent are explored and pursued.
This role requires that the Individual must have had first-hand experience that is defined as having had a child of their own in the child welfare system.
JOB SUMMARY:
The Neighborhood Legal Services Peer Parent Advocate will provide support and information to parents and will represent NLS in the community through contact and collaboration with court personnel ACCYF caseworkers service providers and others. They shall further work with attorneys paralegals students and others on cases or projects; engage in/encourage community education; participate in fundraising efforts; and work to ensure compliance with all regulations and funding requirements of the program.
DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Collaboration and case planning with attorneys and other staff to further the goals of legal representation.
- Provide support encouragement and practical information to clients.
- Support clients at meetings such as public assistance housing Medicaid schools.
- Attend participate and actively advocate in ACCYF Family Conferencing and Teaming meetings (case planning meetings) service provider meetings and other meetings related to clientcases.
- Attend court hearings in support of clients.
- Conduct field visits as directed by the assigned staff attorney and/or managingattorney.
- Document and report on all activities with clients in the client files.
- In collaboration with the FDP team provide interventions with clients as appropriate.
- Advocate for clients with other agencies and various entities in the securing of needed services and benefits.
- Participate in community advocacy groups and effectively represent NLS in those groups.
- Assist legal staff with social work aspects of legal cases.
- Monitor needs of the client community and recommend areas of advocacy development including community education and self-help advocacy development.
- Conduct interviews regarding eligibility assessment and substantive matters in person and by telephone; interviews as may at times take place outside the regular officesetting.
- Work with the Client Advocate to provide comprehensive assessments of client needs including recommended actions.
- Provide comprehensive assessments of client needs including recommended actions.
- Function as a community advocate for NLS and its clients where appropriate.
- Participate as a professional in an interdisciplinary environment that may include attorneys court personnel judges other social workers other agency or government employees and representatives.
- Perform such other duties related to the above as assigned by appropriate personnel.
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT:
- Work with various community groups and accept speaking engagements asassigned.
- Participate as requested or assigned in program efforts to advance the organization and any fundraising initiatives (or efforts).
- Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the essential functions of theposition.
REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:
- Strong computer knowledge and skills particularly Microsoft Office Suite.
- Strong organizational skills with strong attention to detail.
- Excellent interpersonal customer service skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Sensitivity and commitment towards the NLS community and client base.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- High School Diploma or GED.
- Individual must have had first-hand experience that is defined by having had a child of their own in the child welfare system.
- Experience working collaboratively in a team environment and community partnerships to achieve goals.
- Current drivers license and ability to travel to NLS other community locations as needed.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
- Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.
NEIGHBORHOOD LEGAL SERVICES BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- NLS 100% paid healthcare through Highmark that includes prescription and dental coverage
- NLS 100% paid Life/ADD Long-term Disability Short-term Disability Insurance
- NLS paid Health Reimbursement Account (HRA)
- Contributions to a 403b and/or Roth 403b after one-year of service (optional)
- Options that you may choose to purchase or contribute to include:
- Vision Insurance
- FSA Medical Account
- FSA - Dependent Care Account
- Qualified Transportation Election
- Paid Time Off: (pro-rated first year)
- 15 vacation days
- 14 sick days
- 3 Personal Days
- 15 Holidays
NLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About Company
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