Parent Group Facilitator/Community Outreach Worker

ABOUT SHELTER

Shelter Youth & Family Services provides emergency housing, community-based services, and support for youth and families in crisis. Founded in 1975, we've grown into a leading voice for child welfare, human trafficking response, foster care innovation, and trauma-informed care in Illinois. With a current budget of $10M and ambitious plans to grow to $15M, our mission is to end the cycle of abuse and neglect by providing safe, healthy, and stable lives for children and families.

Shelter Youth & Family Services is committed to providing safe, inclusive, and supportive resources for youth and families from all backgrounds and identities. We actively strive to create an environment that supports all employees, placing value in contributions from people from diverse backgrounds, and honoring all experiences, perspectives, and unique identities. Our mission is to protect children, strengthen families, and transform communities. Joining us in this role will give you a chance to help fulfill that mission and help the community. Shelter and its facilities are drug and smoke-free environments. Learn more at shelter-inc.org.

Shelter Youth and Family Services encourages the application of all bilingual applicants to work with our client community. Applicants who can successfully certify their skill level in reading, speaking, and writing in two languages with the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services may receive an additional salary stipend. Certification testing is set by DCFS.

Shelter Youth and Family Services is a smoke free and drug free workplace.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work is performed primarily in the assigned facility, and occasionally in vehicles, meeting rooms both in the facility and at other agency sites.

Job Overview
The Parent Group Facilitator & Community Outreach Worker will conduct a parenting support group for pregnant and new mothers. Additional responsibilities include screening new mothers for program eligibility at partnering hospitals and clinics and performing outreach in the community for new referral sources.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Recruit, plan, and facilitate bi-monthly parent/child support groups

2. Complete Circle of Parents Facilitator Training provided by Brightpoint and all other trainings as directed by supervisor

3. Create a safe and nonjudgemental space for parents to share their experiences and challenges

4. Screen new mothers at our partnering hospitals and medical providers to determine eligibility for program services

5. Maintain knowledge of community resources

6. Establish and maintain connections with community agencies, medical providers, and health clinics to foster collaboration

7. Attend community networking meetings and events related to early childhood to raise awareness of program services

8. Maintain required parent group records and log of outreach efforts

9. Participate in staff meetings and infant mental health consultations

ACCOUNTABILITY

The Parent Group Facilitator & Community Outreach Worker shall be supervised and accountable to the Healthy Families Supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of an associate degree or bachelor's degree in early childhood, social work, human services, or a closely related field from an accredited school preferred. Experience running groups preferred.
  

  * Bilingual Spanish required.

  * Parenting experience or experience with infants and young children.

  * Acceptance of individual differences.

  * Experience and humility to work with culturally diverse families.

  * Effective communication abilities and interpersonal skills.

  * Willing to engage in building reflective capacity (e.g. capacity for introspection, communicating awareness of self in relation to others, recognizing value of supervision etc.).

  * Strong organizational and time management skills.

  * Basic familiarity and experience working with Microsoft Windows and Office software.

  * Ability to work flexible hours up to 24 hours per week. Minimum of 2 evenings a month required.

  * Must have a valid Illinois driver's license, an automobile, and must submit proof of Illinois auto insurance.

  * Must become certified in CPR, Infant CPR, First Aid, and CPI within the first six months of employment.

  * Must complete a Medical and T.B. test providing proof of results.

  * Must be fingerprinted by the State of Illinois and must submit to a full Background Check through the Department of Children and Family Services and provide 3 references.

  * Must submit official educational transcripts from the last school in which a degree was awarded.

  * Ability to lift 40 lbs.

  
  

CLASSIFICATION STATUS

This is a non-exempt (hourly) position working 24 hours per week.

Job Type: Part-Time 24 hours per week

Pay: $$27.25 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan

• Application Question(s):

• Have you been or are you willing to be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus?

Education:

• High School Diploma (required)

Experience:

• Community outreach

Ability to Commute:

• Arlington Heights, IL 60004 (Required)