Position Details

Parent Aide EPA Region 5 -Exchange Parent Aide (4803)

Center For Family Services is a leading non-profit social services provider with locations across New Jersey. Recognized as a top workplace, our team is driven by a professional commitment to high-quality care and dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact in the lives of individuals and families. Over the past decade, Center For Family Services has continued to grow and evolve, expanding our services to meet the diverse and changing needs in the New Jersey community. Our comprehensive range of evidence-based and specialized programs empowers people to build brighter futures and overcome life's challenges. With a passionate and dedicated workforce of more than 1,500 professionals, Center For Family Services is a powerful force for positive change-helping individuals and families find the vision, hope, and strength for a better life.

*Sign-On Bonus

Take advantage of our new sign-on bonus! Center For Family Services is a place where you can be part of a dynamic, top workplace team dedicated to improving lives. When you apply and get hired, you are eligible for a $500 sign-on bonus.

Position Summary: 

The Parent Aide will provide in-home support and guidance to parents to improve their parenting skills, enhance family functioning, and ensure the safety and well-being of children. This position is part of the Exchange Parent Aide Program, which aims to strengthen families through parent education, support, and case management in the homes of at-risk families. This position reports to the program supervisor.

Location: Morris and Sussex County, NJ

Job Type/Status: Full-time

Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide In-Home Support

  • Ensure service delivery is consistent with the NJ EPA Model Standards;

  • Conduct regular home visits to assess family dynamics, provide support, and model effective parenting techniques;

  • Conduct family-centered assessments and assist parents in developing and implementing personalized family service plans;

  • Maintain a caseload of 12-15 families;

  • Maintain a flexible workweek; schedule sessions at times that are convenient for families, and when problems are likely to occur, including evenings, weekends, and holidays; 

  • Represent the agency in community meetings, advisory councils/boards and on interagency teams as directed;

  • Provide back-up for other staff as needed;

  • Other duties as assigned. 

Family Functioning and Well-being

  • Enhance parenting skills by providing education on parenting techniques, child development, and effective coping and communication skills;

  • Collaborate with Care Manager to assist families in identifying and accessing community resources and services, such as healthcare, education, and financial assistance;

  • Develop and foster social connections for families through group meetings, activities, and referrals.

Monitoring and Reporting

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of home visits, observations, and interventions;

  • Use agency's online data management system for all documentation;

  • Prepare reports and documentation as required by the program, including but not limited to regular case conferences with and written reports to the Division of Child Protection & Permanency (DCP&P);

  • Monitor the progress of families and adjust support strategies as needed;

  • Participate in quality improvement and evaluation activities to enhance service delivery.

Program Participation and Development of Professional Self

  • Develop and maintain positive working relationships with families, referral sources and community providers to effectively meet the varied needs of families and the program;

  • Participate in weekly team consultation meetings;

  • Participate in individual supervision. Consult with the supervisor about activities at least once per week;

  • Participate in agency activities, required meetings, and trainings as mandated by the agency, DCP&P, and Department of Children & Families (DCF);

  • Review performance data to identify needed areas for improvement;

  • Work with supervisor to complete professional development plans and performance reviews;

  • Participate in program evaluation and contribute to the continuous improvement of services;

  • Adhere to all program policies, procedures, and ethical guidelines.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Education and Experience: Associates or Bachelor's degree in social work or related field with at least one years' experience working with families experiencing trauma, mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, homelessness, and child abuse and/or neglect.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team;

  • Experienced in parent/family support, maternal-child health, or adolescent mental health;

  • Demonstrates knowledge and experience of child development and effective parenting techniques;

  • Demonstrates knowledge of resources and/or services in the community for the target population.

  • Embedded in the communities that are being served;

  • Demonstrates compassion and empathy in relating to clients with diverse needs;

  • Culturally competent and able to work with diverse populations;

  • Shows awareness of cultural diversity and its impact on service planning and provision;

  • Translates complex concepts into easily understandable language for families;

  • Ability to exercise discretion and maintain client family confidentiality;

  • Effective verbal and written communication skills;

  • Valid driver's license and vehicle in good working condition;

  • Automobile liability insurance that meets minimum agency requirements;

  • Satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check, including no history of DUI violations, required;

  • Familiarity with Word, G-mail and Internet, Excel;

  • Must live in designated service area.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

  • Use of office equipment, such as computers, calculators, fax and copiers;

  • Ability to perform a range of physical motions, including but not limited to: sitting for long periods of time; standing; walking; and climbing stairs.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

  • Requires working flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays;

  • Work is performed primarily in client homes;

  • Requires extensive travel to client homes and throughout the community;

  • Involves exposure to tobacco smoke, domestic animals, household pests, and other conditions common to domestic environments;

  • Frequent contact with staff and non-staff (e.g., client families, referring agencies, 

  • community professionals, community agencies/programs).

Benefits:

At the Center for Family Services, our employees are our greatest resource, and we are committed to investing in our staff. We offer a competitive benefits package as well as ongoing resources that will support staff on their personal and professional journey.*

  • Excellent paid time off (PTO) program, including vacation, sick, personal, and holiday

  • 401k Plan

  • Medical insurance plan options

  • Dental & Vision Insurance

  • Prescription Insurance

  • Life Insurance

  • Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Health & Wellness Activities

  • Ongoing Training & Professional Development Opportunities

  • Opportunity for advancement

Disclaimer Many positions require motor vehicle record evaluations and medical clearances. Center For Family Services is an equal opportunity employer offering competitive salaries and excellent benefits packages.