Parenting Specialist - PRN (St Louis, MO, US, 63130-1943)Archdiocese of St. Louis
Job Summary
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 St. Louis, Ministry 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, 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
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Support & Youth Development
Strengths-Based Care: Foster well-being using active listening, trust, and a safe therapeutic milieu.
Autonomy & Growth: Use teachable moments for learning; focus on values and discipline over punishment.
Time Allocation: Dedicate at least 80% of time to direct 1:1 youth interaction, with max 20% on paperwork.
Relationships: Build supportive ties with residents, families, referral sources, and colleagues.
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Structure, Safety & Consistency
Daily Operations: Review emails, logs, and boards daily; track treatment plans and participate in debriefings.
Documentation: Accurately complete all shift paperwork in FAMCARE, progress notes, and incident reports.
Safety & Security: Conduct safety and contraband checks, enforce boundaries, and report concerns immediately.
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Program Activities & Daily Operations
Education & Support: Support academic plans, homework, tutoring prep, and school transport.
Groups & Chores: Co-lead life skills groups, assist with meals, and oversee resident chores and general cleaning.
Flexibility: Maintain dependable attendance and cover evenings, weekends, overnights, or emergencies.
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Professional Expectations
Communication & Judgment: Use positive language, maintain respectful interactions, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Growth & Standards: Attend all mandatory meetings, supervisory conferences, and required in-service trainings.
Integrity: Treat all individuals fairly without discrimination, respect diverse views, and maintain boundaries.
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.
