Family Reunification Advocate / Child Advocate
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Overdose Lifeline (ODL) is currently seeking a passionate individual to join Overdose Lifeline as Family Reunification Advocate / Child Services Specialist.
ODL is an Indianapolis-based nonprofit serving the State of Indiana with programs used across the nation. ODL addresses the chronic disease of substance use disorder and the opioid public health crisis.
Heart Rock Recovery Center (HRRC), a recovery residence operated by Overdose Lifeline, opened in November 2022 to fill the central Indiana gap of serving pregnant and parenting people in SUD / addiction recovery. HRRC is unique in that it allows for mothers to stay with their young children under the age of two in the recovery residence, preserving family unity and mitigating the childhood impacts of separation from mother during the recovery process.
Education and Experience
- Must have a high school diploma, and or bachelor's degree in the field of social work, or another related field of study; be over 21 years of age
- Prior professional experience or knowledge of mental health / substance use disorders strongly preferred
- Experience with health communication, training, or promotion is strongly preferred
- Knowledge of community resources
- Lived experience with substance use recovery required
- Doula certification or experience a plus
- Must be able to pass the Department of Child Services Background Check
- Must be able to pass criminal background check
Other Requirements
Must possess a valid driver licenseHave dependable transportationEthics Training CertificationPersonal Skills
The ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others, which includes promoting a positive work environment conducive to effective communication among staff members. The ability to communicate health information in a culturally sensitive manner is important. A strong passion for health promotion work and reducing shame and stigma around substance use disorder.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Family Advocate– Child Services Specialist serves both as a Family Reunification Advocate and has specific tasks related to Child Services / Advocacy in the residence (see below).
Responsibilities for Family Reunification Advocate
Maintain professionalism in appearance, verbal communication, and written documentsConduct Supervised Visitation per court orders and DCS guidelinesTransport clients to and from visitationMaintain accurate paperwork (contact logs, visit notes, monthly reports, etc.)Be detail oriented and meet timelinesAttend court hearings, Child and Family Team Meetings, Provider Meetings, and home visits along with Director as needed or submit your reports monthly to DirectorCreate positive relationships with othersMonitor and observe parental role and parent's response to the child's need, non-verbal and verbal signsDocument the quality of the visit and provide recommendationsResponsibilities for Parenting Educator
Maintain professionalism in appearance, verbal communication, and written documentsComplete parenting assessment and determine course of treatmentLead weekly MOMs (Nurturing Parents) sessions for all house residents.Meet at least monthly with each mother to discuss any ongoing parenting concerns and create plans to address these concerns, particularly as they relate to child development and mother recovery process.Coordinate with Occupational Therapist(s) in the residence to provide appropriate developmental care for children.Provide guidance as needed for residents' older children. Assist with planning for children to move into the residence upon reunification or birth.Attend birth with the resident upon resident's requestRecovery Advocate Specialist
Ensure residents are following daily programmingEnsure residents are abiding by the Recovery House rules and regulationsPerforming other administrative duties as requested by the Operations Director or Leadership teamMaintaining complete, accurate and timely information on callers, visitors and residents and completing subsequent data entryMonitoring security systems, respond to alarms appropriately and apprise management of any security issuesPerform security checks within the house to increase safety of residents and staffProvide residents with information and support as appropriateFoster an environment supportive of recovery while providing respect and dignity to residents, staff, visitors, and callersEnsure the house is fully stocked with essential and necessary grocery itemsParticipate in house meetings with residents and staff and lead conversations regarding continuing childcare and advocacy needs.The Child Services Specialist will oversee caregiving and advocate for the children during their stay at Heart Rock Recovery Center so that the women can balance motherhood with their recovery activities to build a solid foundation for sustained recovery. The ideal candidate for the Child Services Specialist will have a background in caregiving, child safety (First Aid, CPR, Safe Sleep Techniques).
Please submit resumes and letters of interest to Justin Phillips at justin@overdoselifeline.org
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