Employment Opportunities

United Parents Job Description

Trilingual Full-Time Parent Partner

Job Description

Summary: 

We are seeking parents or caregivers who have been successful in raising a child with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs, preferably that have been involved with the behavioral health, special education, juvenile justice, and/or child welfare system. The Parent Partner will work with parents of children referred by Ventura County Behavioral Health by providing in-home support, education, and resources with the goal of maintaining stability in the home and empowering parents to be their child’s best advocate. 

Essential Functions:

• Work with Ventura County Behavioral Health clinicians toward treatment goals 

• Attend numerous training classes, as required

• Provide home and clinic based support and education

• Sensitivity to cultural, ethnic and economic diversity

• Willingness to learn and work within systems' protocols 

• Model behavior and techniques families can learn from

• Identify and utilize family strengths  

• Identify community supports and provide a warm connection

• Brainstorm new ideas and approaches

• Ensure the family voice is heard

• Assist family in creating and following a safety plan

• Responsible for maintaining accurate client notes and other paperwork in a timely fashion

• Help family to navigate the crisis management and stabilization programs and access services/programs that will be of help

• May work remotely to input progress notes

• Other duties as may be assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Must have personal involvement and success in raising a child with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs (may be a parent, grandparent, guardian or sibling)

• Familiarity and experience with Medi-Cal documentation and billing desired

• Ability to document data within multiple electronic systems

• Knowledge of mental health, juvenile justice, special education, and child welfare systems and local community resources

• Ability to prioritize deadlines and complete tasks in a timely manner 

• Able to listen non-judgmentally and respect family culture and beliefs

• Able to share your own story when it can help the family

• Able to advocate in a non-adversarial manner

• Able to maintain confidentiality at all times 

• Able to follow directions and follow-up on assignments as required

• Able to work under minimal supervision

• Able to communicate professionally with clinicians and all other providers involved in client treatment

• Able to establish and maintain professional boundaries

• Able to complete client notes as required

• Some flexibility beyond 8-5 Monday through Friday

• Able to meet deadlines

• Trilingual in other languages required e.g. Spanish, Tagalog, Mixteco, etc. 

Job Requirements:

• Must be able to sit for long periods of time

• Be able to effectively manage a caseload of 20-25 clients

• Able to lift up to 20 pounds

• Additional requirements: Reliable transportation, Pass Livescan/Background Check, TB Test and possess valid California Driver’s License, proof of eligibility to work in the United States

• Ability to become CPR/First Aid Certified

• Reliable transportation and current auto insurance with Bodily Injury Liability to 50/100 bodily injury coverage

• Extremely strong time management and documentation skills

• Must live in Ventura County

Compensation: $24.00 per hour. Medical, dental and vision benefits available for full time employees. Free Employee Assistance Program and 401k registration option available. 

To Apply:  Please submit cover letter explaining your interest in our organization and experience relevant to this position, as well as a current resume. Email cover letter and resume to Clinical Administrator, Alicia Daddio: adaddio@unitedparents.org

United Parents Job Description

Peer Support Specialist Supervisor

Reports to: Clinical Administrator

Summary/Objective:

United Parents is seeking an experienced Peer Support Specialist Supervisor. The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) Supervisor must be a parent or caregiver who has been successful in raising a child with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs, preferably involved with the behavioral health, special education, juvenile justice, and/or child welfare system, as well as be certified (or in the process of becoming certified) as a Peer Support Specialist. In conjunction with the Clinical Administrator, the Supervisor will supervise a team of ten (10) or more PSS/Parent Partners and monitor day to day operations of the Family Access and Support Team (FAST) program, be the point of contact for the PSS/Parent Partners for consultations, crisis situations, facilitate individual supervisions, provide guidance/support while working with their families, as well as participating in conducting employee’s annual reviews.

The FAST Program is an innovative, short-term approach designed to help families with children who are experiencing mental health challenges overcome problems which can result in a crisis. In partnership with Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH), United Parents utilizes a Parent Partner intervention model. A Parent Partner has raised a child with behavioral disorder and combines their own life experience with ongoing training to help highly stressed families.  

The dynamic candidate has a passion for developing their supervisory skills and understands the importance of mentoring and supporting staff through change/growth while utilizing strength-based communication and feedback, demonstrating effective problem-solving skills, compassion, is highly organized and meticulous in detail work, and has outstanding computer skills. 

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions  

• Alongside the Clinical Administrator, manage the day to day operational aspects of the FAST program to include scheduling, staffing, training, direct services and other administrative duties.

• Communicates and coordinates with the Clinical Administrator to ensure company mission, philosophy and procedures are embraced.

• Provides leadership in the areas of direct client services, program evaluation, and program development.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all PSS/Parent Partners, providing proactively addressing crises, responding to questions, resolving challenges, and ensuring consistent communication and support to promote effective service delivery. 

• Builds relationships with staff, parents, community partners, clinicians and other community members and professionals.

• Ability to present trainings, workshops and Parent Partner Curriculum.

• Works as a team member and reports all matters of concerns to the Clinical Administrator and/or Executive Director.

• Continually train and enforce protocols regarding mandated reporting (child abuse and neglect)

• Maintain a small FAST caseload of no more than 5 clients.

• Attends all meetings, events and seminars as required by United Parents.

• Deliver clear, actionable feedback to the PSS/Parent Partners, recognizing achievements while also identifying opportunities for growth and development.

• Consistently demonstrates a high level of integrity, honesty, responsibility, accountability, teamwork and ethics.

• Adheres to all policies, procedures and standard practices of United Parents.

• Work collaboratively with FAST program assistant.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Competencies

1. Excellent Time Management 

2. Strong planning and organization skills

3. Detail oriented 

4. Strong computer navigation and data entry skills

5. Demonstrates professional interpersonal communication

6. Trustworthiness and Ethics

7. Effective problem solving

8. Ability to work as part of a collaborative team

9. Familiarity and experience with Medi-Cal documentation and billing.

Supervisory Responsibility

Supervise a multi-disciplinary team, utilize personal computing hardware and software; assist with preparing reports; maintain medical record standards, working independently toward specific goals; provide active and positive leadership; develop community resources; respond effectively to crisis; effectively handle persons who are angry, demanding, emotionally upset and/or reluctant to receive help; evaluate safety and risk factors for staff and clients, maintain cooperative working relationships with staff, community members and other governmental agencies, and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Work Environment

This is a hybrid position and requires two days per week in person in an office setting (at Fillmore or Oxnard Drop-In and/or Camarillo offices)

Physical Demands

This position may require the employee to drive for long periods of time for multiple hours out of their day. Candidate must be able to sit for long periods of time and be able to lift up to 20 pounds

Position Type/ Expected Hours of Work  

This is a full-time position that generally works between the hours of 8am and 5:30pm M-F with a 30-minute lunch break.  However, some flexibility is required as some families and staff require earlier or later meeting times. And, there may be occasional evenings or weekend availability required. 

Required Education and Experience

• A parent or caregiver successful in raising a child with emotional, behavioral or mental health needs preferably that have been involved with the behavioral health, special education, juvenile justice, and/or child welfare system.

• Certified as a Peer Support Specialist (or be in the process of becoming certified).

• A minimum of 2 years of experience working with children and/or families with serious mental health issues

• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred, but not mandatory.

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent. 

Preferred Education and Experience 

Knowledge of health assessment, treatment, and case management practices as well as staff supervision and personnel practices. Strong communication skills; problem solver; innovative thinker. 

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

• Reliable transportation

• Current auto insurance with Bodily Injury Liability to 50/100 bodily injury coverage

• Pass Live Scan and Background Check

• Pass TB Test 

• Possess valid California Driver’s License, as well as proof of eligibility to work in the United States. 

• Valid and up to date CPR/First Aid Certification

• If applicable, have the ability to participate in an 80-hour training and pass a 2-hour exam for Peer Certification (employee is responsible for renewal of certification every 2 years)

• Must live in Ventura County 

Compensation and Benefits: 

• Hourly Rate: $31.00/hour

• Benefits Include: Medical, dental, and vision insurance options

• United Parents pays a portion of employee medical; dental and vision coverage is included for employees enrolled in our medical plan

• 401(k) retirement plan available

• Generous paid time off, including:

o 14 paid holidays (including closure from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day)

o Paid vacation and sick time

o Free, confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

o Opportunities for annual bonuses and/or pay increases, subject to funding and performance. 

Equal Employment Opportunity:

United Parents is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit unlawful discrimination based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, gender identity or expression, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We encourage individuals with lived experience to apply.

Supplemental Questions for Peer Support Specialist Supervisor

1. Please share what challenges you anticipate transitioning from a peer role into a supervisory role and how you would address them.

2. If multiple team members needed urgent support at the same time, how would you prioritize and manage the situation? 

3. You have heard from one or more of the team members that two staff got into an argument and were disrespectful to one another during a meeting in which you were not in attendance. How would you manage this situation?

4. One of the staff call you with a family that is in active crisis. The youth is experiencing suicidal thoughts, but does not have a plan. What are the next steps you would take?

5. How would you handle a situation where a former peer and friend is not meeting expectations? 

6. Share an example of when you helped de-escalate a crisis or conflict. How would your approach differ as a supervisor? 

7. How do you balance recognizing strengths when addressing areas of improvement when giving feedback? Please provide an example. 

8. Describe a time you had to set boundaries in a professional relationship. How would you apply this skill as a supervisor to maintain professionalism with former peers?

9. What skills or knowledge areas do you feel you need to strengthen to succeed in a supervisory role, and how would you go about building them?

Please send resumes, cover letter, and completed supplemental questions to: Alicia Daddio: adaddio@unitedparents.org

United Parents Job Description

Bilingual Family & Community Workshop Facilitator

Summary: 

The Bilingual Family & Community Workshop Facilitator will organize and deliver workshops, support groups, and training sessions to expand mental health support and advocacy services for parents, caregivers, children, and youth in underserved communities. This position focuses on culturally competent, trauma-informed, and strength-based approaches that promote resilience, reduce stigma, and empower families with practical tools.

Essential Functions:

• Plan, schedule, and facilitate workshops, training series, and support groups covering topics including, but not limited to:

o Trauma-informed care

o Resilience building

o Parenting and co-parenting strategies

o Stigma reduction

o Navigating systems of care

o Substance use education and prevention

• Develop culturally relevant training materials and presentations tailored to Ventura County’s diverse communities, including Latinx, Mixteco, and LGBTQ+ populations.

• Coordinate logistics for training events, ensuring accessibility, interpretation services, and appropriate outreach.

• Identify, schedule, and collaborate with expert guest speakers to deliver high-quality, engaging content.

• Conduct outreach to historically marginalized and underserved families to encourage participation in training and support groups.

• Facilitate Early Childhood Intervention workshops focused on children ages 0–5, addressing developmental and behavioral concerns.

• Support trauma-impacted families with resources and skill-building opportunities.

• Maintain accurate records of participant attendance, training outcomes, and feedback for continuous improvement and grant compliance.

• Ensure all staff and volunteers receive and understand training requirements related to cultural competence, trauma-informed care, and local systems navigation.

• Assist with reporting, data collection, and evaluation activities. 

Job Qualifications:

• Bilingual English/Spanish required.

• Minimum two (2) years of experience facilitating trainings, workshops, or support groups in community settings.

• Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed care, mental health stigma reduction, and resilience-focused practices.

• Knowledge of cultural and systemic barriers impacting Latinx, Mixteco, LGBTQ+, and rural communities.

• Strong public speaking, group facilitation, and organizational skills.

• Ability to develop culturally relevant materials and adapt content to different learning styles.

• Familiarity with Medi-Cal services, behavioral health systems, and community resources preferred.

• Lived experience as a parent/caregiver or experience working with parents and caregivers of children/youth with behavioral health needs strongly preferred.

Work Environment:

This position is primarily based at the Oxnard and Fillmore drop-in centers, with occasional community-based activities. Some tasks may be completed remotely from home, such as planning, preparing training materials, documentation, and virtual meetings. Evening and weekend availability is required to meet family schedules.

Employment Type:

Full-time, grant-funded position under contract with Ventura County Behavioral Health. The position is funded for one year, with continuation contingent upon future funding availability. United Parents makes every effort to transition staff into other agency roles if the specific position is no longer available.

Compensation and Benefits:

• $25/hour

• Medical: United Parents covers 60% of the premium; Dental and vision: fully covered for employees enrolled in the medical plan

• 401k registration option and Employee Assistance Program available for all employees

• Generous (prorated) paid time off includes:

o 14 holidays including holiday closure (Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day)

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and interest in this role to Melissa Hannah mhannah@unitedparents.org.