Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 25,000 individuals. We do this through 50 programs in 70 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity shows not just through our work with supported persons, but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve.

Parent Advocates support parents with children in foster care to understand and navigate the foster care system, make decisions for their families, remain hopeful, and address family challenges so that they can accomplish their goal of reunification. The focus of this job is building connections with parents and working collaboratively with case planners. Parent Advocates parents will bring their experience to the foster care agency decision-making process so that children are more likely to return home quickly and safely.

Looking for People with previous life experience being impacted by the juvenile justice/child welfare/protective system. Experience includes but is not limited to the following: as a parent including having had a child placed in foster care, having a child placed in a juvenile justice setting, having had a court-ordered supervision case, served as a kinship foster parent; cared for a child with special needs; received preventive services; having had a child placed with a juvenile justice program; experienced intimate partner/domestic violence, participated in a fatherhood program. Other prior child welfare involvement such as having personally experienced child welfare investigations may also qualify. Previous child welfare cases must be closed for at least one year and maintaining family stability.

• Build rapport and support parents in coping with the trauma of child welfare/protective system involvement, making decisions for their families, and communicating effectively with those involved in their case.
• Work with socially, economically, culturally, and ethnically diverse groups in a mutual respectful manner using a strength base and flexible approach.
• Prepare parents and participate in Family Team Conferences.
• Emphasize with parents the importance of involvement in planning, preparing for court dates, voicing concerns, and requesting help when needed.
• Collaborate with individuals in crisis to identify and or develop coping skills.
• Report to the Advocate Supervisor and work collaboratively as part of interdisciplinary teams with ACS field offices staff and multiple community-based service providers.
• Collaborate with other providers and community support to help families meet their needs and navigate resources.
• Coach parents to strengthen problem-solving skills while discovering their strengths, hopes, dreams, and priorities.
• Actively participate in team meetings, and supervisory sessions, including daily scheduling check-ins.
• Maintain accurate job related/required reports and documentation and submit on a timely basis.
• Complete assigned training as required.
• Flexible Work Schedule
• Perform all other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• High School Diploma/GED required.
• Previous life experience being impacted by the juvenile justice/child welfare/protective system.
• A natural collaborator.
• Strong knowledge of community resources and services.
• Warm, enthusiastic, and able to engage and positively impact individuals.
• Someone who has a sincere appreciation for people and how they are each uniquely motivated.
• Strong interpersonal skills to assist with parent engagement and are geared towards working sensitively on topics involving trauma, stress, and healing.
• Good oral and writing skills.
• Computer skills conducting Google searches and using Microsoft Office.
• Skilled at working in a fast-paced environment on multiple projects occurring simultaneously.
• Passion for parent leadership and preventing child welfare/juvenile justice involvement.
• Able to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
• Ability to travel throughout NYC.

Salary $25/hr.