Parenting Specialist- PT

Good Shepherd Children & Family Services provides the highest quality foster care and treatment foster care, adoption, expectant parent counseling, maternity shelter, pregnancy services and advocacy. In response to the call of Jesus Christ, the Good Shepherd, to help those in need, we connect children with families and keep families connected.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Catholic Charities of Good Shepherd Children and Family Services Parenting Specialist position is responsible for the client’s day-to-day care. Interaction between parenting specialists and clients requires respectful, collaborative, strength-based interventions responsible for maintaining youth safety through continuous supervision.

In supporting and promoting these relationships, each parenting specialist will demonstrate a high standard of professional and ethical behavior that coincides with the philosophy, mission, and values of the agency. The Parenting Specialists will be expected to have previous experience working with child development needs, be able to maintain good judgment with minimal supervision, and provide creative and engaging activities for the clients.

Each Parenting Specialist will be trained and expected to provide one on one coaching and teaching in line with the evidenced-based curriculum Nurturing Skills. Primary Objectives As a parenting specialists you must contribute positively to the therapeutic culture of the program by:

• Ensuring that the units promote mutual respect, trust, personal safety and security.
• Maximizing relationship building, teachable moments and strength-based interactions.
• Promoting positive change, growth, and development.
• Role modeling appropriate values and behaviors.
• Providing structure and assisting in goal attainment.
• Providing supervision by always knowing and being where the residents are at all times.

OVERVIEW

& RESPONSIBILITIES Resident Support and Development Build positive, trusting relationships with teen parents using active listening, encouragement, and a strengths-based approach. Provide individualized coaching and mentoring, spending the majority of work time in one-on-one interactions with residents. Use daily experiences as teaching opportunities to develop life skills, decision-making, problem-solving, and independence.

Promote accountability through guidance and discipline rather than punishment. Safety, Structure, and Supervision Maintain a safe, structured, and supportive living environment. Monitor resident behavior and progress while following treatment plans and program expectations. Conduct safety checks, address concerns, and report issues affecting resident health, safety, or well-being.

Participate in daily communication, debriefings, and team coordination activities. Documentation and Compliance Complete accurate and timely documentation, including progress notes, incident reports, communication logs, and other required records. Track resident progress and ensure compliance with agency policies and procedures.

Program and Educational Support Encourage school attendance, academic success, and participation in educational programming. Assist residents with homework, study sessions, goal setting, and life-skills groups. Support daily living activities, including meal preparation, transportation, household responsibilities, and recreational activities.

Teamwork and Professionalism Collaborate with supervisors, clinical staff, families, referral sources, and other stakeholders. Attend required meetings, trainings, and supervisory sessions. Maintain professional boundaries, demonstrate sound judgment during crises, and treat all individuals with dignity and respect. KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Must be at least 21 years of age Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

High School Diploma with some 10 years relevant experience with youth Support the teachings of the Catholic Church and actively work with colleagues from other departments making Good Shepherd resources available to all residents & client employment and be able to drive a diverse fleet of agency vehicles. Obtain MCCA medication administration certification within 60 days of employment.

Able to learn and willingness to use crisis intervention techniques as trained through Safe Crisis Management. Attend Protecting God’s Children within 60 days of employment. Obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of employment. SKILLS & COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Easily adapt to change. Knowledge of technology. Ability to multi-task. Effective communication skills (e.g. verbal and written communication abilities). Active listening ability. Patience and adaptability. Positive role modeling. Ability to build positive relationships with youth/adolescents. Good Shepherd Children & Family Services does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted programs and activities. Good Shepherd Children & Family Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability. Pre-Employment Screening All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screenings will include criminal background check and other background checks (as needed), Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification. Various positions will require physical examination, Tuberculosis screening and Hepatitis A. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.