Caregiver Peer Mentor

Company Description

Amara is committed to positive long-term outcomes for children and families. We drive systemic change, promote healing, and advance racial and LGBTQIA+ equity by offering programs and services to families engaged in the child welfare system.

At Amara, we believe that a supportive, equitable and inclusive workplace, where everyone feels valued, trusted, and nurtured, is key to shaping organizational culture and investing in underrepresented communities. Amara believes that a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace culture enhances our ability to fulfill our mission. We strongly invite candidates from diverse backgrounds, including communities of color, the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

We are seeking to hire a Caregiver-Peer Mentor. Caregiver Peer Mentors are an integral and valued part of our Family Connections Program. This position reports to the Family Connections Program Manager and is responsible for providing peer mentor supports to caregivers participating in the Family Connections Program and participating as an integral team member of the Family Connections Program.

Job Description

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the following satisfactorily; other duties may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Provide peer mentoring and individual support related to building and sustaining parent/caregiver relationships to caregivers (relative caregivers or licensed foster caregivers) who have been determined to be eligible for the FCP.
• Support caregivers in deepening and expanding their understanding and practice of openness toward the children and families they support through the child welfare system.
• Coach and mentor caregivers toward setting and achieving goals for building a relationship with the families of children they care for through the child welfare system.
• Collaborate and partner with caregiver support managers to ensure holistic caregiver support.
• Partner with co-mentors to case consult and determine appropriate steps to move toward established participant goals.
• Facilitate Connections Conversations (meetings between caregivers and parents) along with complementary assigned peer mentors.
• Facilitate workshops, training and support groups for program participants and community partners (e.g. Connections 101, Brave Conversations, etc.).
• Provide family support and education around available resources that support parent/caregiver partnerships.
• Build relationships and collaborate with professionals in the child welfare arena to advance the goals of the FCP program. This includes outreach tasks at the direction of the FCP manager (such as collaborating on newsletter content, developing informational emails for DCYF SW and community partners, etc.).
• Enter case notes, update participant information, manage caseload and open referrals in the Amara database within identified timeframes.
• Collaborate with the FCP Program Manager to expand the library of training and resources on building and supporting parent and caregiver partnerships.
• Represent FCP at community, outreach, and stakeholder education events.
• Flex hours to accommodate family needs on an occasional and ongoing basis.
• Work collaboratively with FCP team and across Amara departments to ensure impactful, efficient, and complementary services.
  
  

Qualifications

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.

• Must have personal lived experience with the child welfare system as either a relative or licensed foster caregiver AND personal experience as a caregiver navigating complex relationships with parents of children experiencing the child welfare system. A caregiver is defined as an individual who has cared for children placed in out of home care through the involvement of the Department of Children, Youth and Families or another state’s comparable program.
• Highly organized with effective communication and problem-solving skills.
• Displays initiative, flexibility, and maturity. High emotional intelligence, and excellent interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
• Experience working with diverse families (variety of religions, races, cultures, ages, and socio-economic levels). Ability to remain neutral and unbiased in reporting.
• Knowledge of family systems, child development, child safety, and discipline practices preferred.
• Must provide proof of current COVID-19 vaccination.
• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Must have a reliable mode of transportation sufficient to carry out all essential job duties, including statewide travel. If a personal or company vehicle will be utilized in the performance of essential job duties, must provide proof of driver’s license and auto insurance.
• Demonstrated ability to promote the advancement and development of diversity, equity, and inclusion in oneself and with clients.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills. Should be able to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.
• Ability to effectively communicate (verbal and written) with Spanish-speaking families highly preferred.
• Experience with MS Word, Teams, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel preferred.
  
  

Education/Experience: Must have minimum of 2 years of lived experience as either a relative (kinship), suitable other or licensed foster caregiver with the child welfare system AND personal experience as a caregiver who has navigated complex relationships with the parents/families of children placed in their care. A caregiver is defined as an individual who has cared for children placed in out-of-home care through the involvement of the Department of Children, Youth and Families or another state’s comparable program. Experience as a peer mentor (paid or volunteer) and high school diploma (or equivalent) or higher education highly preferred.

Additional Information

Salary And Benefits

This is a full-time hourly/nonexempt position with an hourly rate of pay between $27.40-$33.65/hour ($57,000-$69,999 annually) depending on experience. Generous personal leave and benefits package, including paid time off, paid sabbatical, health, vision and dental insurance, 401k with a company match, life, and disability insurance. Amara supports a hybrid work schedule with some flexibility to work from home. Occasional travel between our King and Pierce County offices may be required.

• Funding for this role is currently secured through June 2025. The continuation of this position beyond that date is contingent upon the ability to secure additional funding. ***
  
  

Criminal Background Check

Amara conducts background checks appropriate to the contractual requirements of the position. A previous conviction will not necessarily bar individuals from employment at Amara. For specific requirements please feel free to contact the hiring manager or human resources.

Vaccination Requirement:

Amara requires that all employees be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement is designed to prioritize the safety of the children and families we serve. Exemptions may be sought only for documented medical or religious accommodation.

To Apply

To express your interest in this position, please submit your resume and one-page cover letter indicating why this position is the right opportunity for you in Smart Recruiters.

• Please ensure your cover letter or resume indicates that you meet the personal/lived experience required for this role which may not be evident from work history alone. ***
  
  

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Amara is an Equal Opportunity Employer