Part-Time Parent Advocate

Part‑time Parent Advocates

Heartshare St. Vincent’s Services (HSVS) is actively seeking Part‑time
Parent Advocates with demonstrated experience supporting families and a comprehensive understanding of foster care processes and ACS mandates. By utilizing the Parent Empowering Parents (PEP) Model, Parent Advocates show parents that they have power in navigating their own case by providing parents with knowledge, tools, options to navigate and advocate for themselves and support parents on their path to reunification. The ideal candidate will bring both professional knowledge and lived experience to guide and empower parents, ensuring they are fully informed, supported, and engaged throughout the child welfare process.

• Implement the Parents Empowering Parents (PEP) model including key practices in the first 90 days of a case to orient parents to the service planning process; share Rise TIPS and other resources to support parents.
• Orient parents to Family Time, offer ideas for making the most of family visits, and supervise visits periodically.
• Encourage parents’ participation in Family Team Conferences (FTC) providing reminders and other supports as warranted.
• Represent Heartshare St. Vincent’s Services at internal and external meetings.
• Celebrate birth parents by contributing to hosting events and activities.
• Maintain accessible resource materials, making them available to other HSVS staff and to parents.
• Document interactions as progress notes into Connections and/or other formats as appropriate.
• Inform parents about supportive interventions that will strengthen their families.
• Support parents in navigating resources and using negotiation skills.
• Coach parents to strengthen problem‑solving skills while discovering their strengths and priorities.
• Co‑facilitate quarterly birth parent round‑table meetings.
• Conduct visits to parents’ homes and accompany parents to appointments at various service providers as appropriate.
• Provide assistance in facilitating training in topics including but not limited to the Parenting Journey.

• Provide direct counseling, intervention, negotiation, and advocacy regarding families’ housing needs.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive list of available housing resources.
• Collect required documentation, complete online applications and record data in all applicable Housing systems including the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) and Supportive Housing systems.
• Deliver completed Housing application packets to the New York City Administration for Children's Services (ACS).
• Maintain all reporting requirements set by funding and/or regulatory agencies.
• Assist and accompany parents when shopping to purchase furniture for new apartments once children are finally discharged from care.
• Attend all required training to ensure up‑to‑date information.
• Work, both independently and collaboratively, with colleagues and stakeholders.

One time sign on bonus in the amount of $1,000.00.

• High school diploma/General Equivalency Diploma (GED) required.
• Previous life experience being impacted by the child welfare system as a parent (personally experienced an ACS investigation, having had a child placed in foster care, or having had a court‑ordered supervision case).
• Previous child welfare cases must be closed for at least one year.
• Preferred experience working with families as a Parent Advocate in foster care, preventive, mental health, or family defense agencies, etc.
• Preferred knowledge of Foster Care and Administrative for Children Services (ACS) mandates.
• Preferred knowledge of CONNECTIONS.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self‑motivated with strong time‑management skills is highly preferred.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Ability to travel within the 5 boroughs of NYC, Long Island, and Westchester.
• Physical Requirement:
  The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms.

• Rewarding work in a team environment.
• Paid vacation, sick, personal days, and holidays.
• 403(B) retirement plans with employer contribution.
• Hea…