Birth Parent Advocate

Birth Parent Advocate

Requisition # : req13715

Location : Southfield, MI

Hours : Full-time (40 hours / week)

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world.

We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them.

Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the and around the world.

The Birth Parent Advocate is primarily responsible for providing options and information to expectant parents, including referrals to support parenting and support and resources to parents considering adoption.

This job includes regular outreach to client referral sources as well as the provision of excellent counsel and encouragement to our expectant parents.

An ideal candidate will thrive in a high-touch environment, navigating new relationships every day, while operating within new contexts where they will need to improvise solutions based on position requirements and Bethany best practices.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Effectively promote Bethany's pregnancy service programs through regular outreach efforts to include but not limited to contacting hospitals, medical clinics, Pregnancy Resource Centers, high schools, and colleges;
• Promptly respond to all crisis pregnancy calls, text messages, or emails and provide an assessment of the potential client's needs and / or requests;
• Schedule client appointments and provide expectant parent counseling options to the primary client and involved family members;
• Effectively present adoption as a viable alternative with on-going counseling if client chooses this option, as needed;
• Develop, cultivate, and maintain Bethany's relationships with area hospitals and referral agencies regarding support services to parents;
• Assist with the adoption planning and the legal release of the infant child if able to accept relinquishments, temporary custody, and consent to adoption;
• Organize and manage time to ensure reports and documents are complete in a timely manner;
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisor to consult on cases, to review case plan and direction, and to evaluate client participation and progress, along with at least quarterly case supervision of all open cases;
• Attend pregnancy counseling training as needed and apply newly grained knowledge on the job;
• Actively participate in the on-call system as scheduled by program needs;
• Schedule and facilitate support group meetings, as needed;
• Facilitate flexible appointment times outside of regular business hours, and work nontraditional hours in the community, as needed;
• Stay abreast of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field of study from an accredited college;
• Master’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or related field of study from an accredited college, a plus;
• At least one (1) year of prior experience in child and family services focused on expectant parent counseling, strongly preferred;
• Must have a broad knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methodology of social work as acquired through a Bachelor’s level degree;
• Previous working knowledge of child development and mental health diagnoses with experience in the mental health and / or substance abuse field and population;
• Demonstrated ability with providing excellent clinical, and crisis intervention skills;
• Knowledge of state, community and agency resources;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Capacity to engage, respect, and serve a wide range of clients with a nonjudgmental attitude, while empowering the clients served;
• Must have an ability to provide excellent and compassionate customer service;
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality;
• Computer skillssufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of MicrosoftOffice suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’slicense with at least 3 years driving experience in the to operate avehicle on behalf of Bethany.
• Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR)check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurancecoverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to andintegration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.
22 days ago