Parent Partner I

GET TO KNOW US:

For over 100 years, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services (VDM) has taken great pride in providing exceptional programs and services for children and families throughout LA County. VDM envisions a community where all children and families are equipped and prepared to live productive, fulfilling lives. We serve the most vulnerable in Los Angeles, many of whom have faced multi-generational inequities. Vista Del Mar is guided by core values of empowerment, equity, and excellence.

CULTURE:

At Vista Del Mar, our success is empowered by our staff, families, residents, and clients. We believe in the inclusion and liberation of marginalized communities, standing in unity for justice and recognizing long-standing systemic oppression. We acknowledge we are part of an unjust system and strongly advocate to change oppressive systems and the unconscious bias that affect staff, clients, and families in all communities. Vista is committed to developing a culture of healing, community care, and creating a sense of belonging. Our actions will be louder than our words.

Folks who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, of a marginalized gender, disabled, parents, are/have been system-impacted, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression, and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply.

MISSION:

Vista Del Mar provides a trauma-responsive continuum of services to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California to lead fulfilling lives.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Parent Partner Wraparound will serve as liaison for parent involvement, voice and offer support in whatever way is most helpful to each individual family. They will utilize a flexible, strengths-based approach in their work. 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES   To tell your stories when it can help other families. 

1. Support other families as peers with a common background and history, rather than as experts who have all of the answers.
2. Acknowledge that each family's answers may be different than your own.
3. Take responsibility for clarifying your role as a Parent Partner and as a parent of a child with special needs.
4. Build partnerships with others who are involved in the care of children.
5. Commit to honesty with all involved with the care of a child & expect the same from others.
6. Be committed to a non-judgmental and respectful attitude in your dealings with & discussions regarding families.
7. Be committed to non-adversarial advocacy in your role within the system.
8. Link families with appropriate community supports.
9. Serve as a role model and support for children/families involved in the wraparound process.
10. May participate in the 24 hours on call system in the second year of employment.
11. Promote family-centered practice strategies including family decision-making.
12. Participate in collaborative cross-system teaming and community-based service delivery.
13. Provide direct assistance to families as needed. 
14. Located in SPA 8

Secondary Duties: 

1. Participate in staff meetings, in-service trainings, and team meetings. 
2. Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with internal staff and external resources. 
3. Assists with tasks as assigned. 

WHAT YOU BRING TO VDM

To perform this job successfully, the applicant must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required; reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

1. Ability to work flexible hours as some activities may require evening and/or weekend availability; 2. Must be a parent of a special need child. 
2. Possess a High School diploma with some college preferred. 
3. Must have excellent verbal and Word processing skills. 
4. Must have basis typing/word processing skills. 
5. Must have good organization and time-management skills. 
6. Must have skills necessary to engage and work with others from diverse ethnic and cultural groups. 

Salary - $25- $26 per hour

What Can We Offer You for All Your Hard Work?

• Full benefits offered (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• FSA/Dependent Care and Supplemental benefits through The Standard
• 403(b) – 3% Employer contribution based off annual salary
• 4 Mental Health Days
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Up to 25% for Cell Phone Discounts with 3 Major Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint)

Vista Del Mar’s Credentials:

Our nationally recognized clinical programs have been awarded a Gold Seal by the Joint Commission, the highest level of accreditation possible. In addition, our educational facilities are fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and our graduate degree program is recognized worldwide for its high quality of instructions.

Equal Employment Statement

Vista Del Mar is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Vista Del Mar will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment.