Peer Parent Advocate

 

 

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.

 

 

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.

 

 

• 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.