Parent Educator
Parent Educators must be mature, highly motivated individuals, who value the importance of the parent as the child’s first teacher. Candidates for this position must be bilingual (English/Spanish) and should possess a passion for supporting clients in their growth as a parent and working to increase parent’s understanding of what they can do to promote their child’s healthy development.
Responsibilities:
Work with pregnant and/or parenting teen/adult women one on one, and in groups utilizing the Parent As Teachers program model. Provide direct services to clients and their families in their homes and other locations in their residential neighborhoods. Implement the Parents As Teachers curriculum according to the program standards and requirements. Develop and maintain positive, supportive working relationships with the participants and their families. Develop, with participant input and cooperation, goals that are developmentally appropriate and also culturally sensitive. Structure home visits to enable participants to work on identified goals. Make appropriate referrals, when necessary, for further evaluations and support parents in successfully pursuing these referrals and recommendations. Incorporate the findings and results of screening and observation tools to develop parent-child activities that will enhance the parent-child relationship, strengthen child development and increase participants knowledge and awareness of her child’s physical, emotional and psychological developmental needs and accomplishments. Incorporate the results of screenings and observations into the individual service plans for each participant. Work with and support each participant with regard to issues such as housing, employment, education, finances, nutrition, family planning, and interpersonal and personal issues that impact on the parent’s ability to provide a safe, nurturing environment for the child and herself. Develop, with the participant, individualized interventions that foster healthy, growth-supporting interactions between her and her child. Advocate for program participants and their extended families as necessary and appropriate.
Qualifications:
At least one year of experience working with adult or adolescent parents, pregnant teens, infants and toddlers, young children, volunteers, peer workers and support groups. Cross-cultural sensitivity and bilingual English/Spanish required. A valid Illinois Driver’s License and good driving record are required. Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends required.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, human services, or related field. Coursework related to working with families is required.
Submit cover letter, resume & transcripts to:
Becky Seibel, Associate Director Social Service Workers
Email: Bseibel@christopherhouse.org
Christopher House is an Equal Opportunity Employer.