JOB SUMMARY

The Parent Educator provides structured parenting education and individualized coaching to pregnant and parenting women participating in the PWDC program. This role focuses on strengthening parenting skills, improving parent-child relationships, and promoting healthy child development.

The Parent Educator facilitates parenting education sessions, provides one-on-one guidance to participants, and works collaboratively with program staff to ensure families receive coordinated services that support recovery and family well-being.

Through education and coaching, the Parent Educator helps parents understand child development, develop effective parenting strategies, and create nurturing and safe environments that promote healthy growth and development for their children.

JOB DUTIES

Parenting Education

• Facilitate structured parenting education sessions for program participants
• Educate parents on child development, bonding, and age-appropriate expectations.
• Provide information on positive parenting practices and effective discipline strategies.

Parenting Coaching and Family Support

• Provide individualized parenting coaching to support positive parent-child relationships.
• Assist parents in developing routines and caregiving strategies that support healthy child development.
• Encourage parents to practice positive communication and nurturing parenting behaviors.

Child Development Education

• Educate parents about developmental milestones and age-appropriate activities that support early childhood development.
• Provide guidance on supporting children’s emotional, cognitive, and social development.

Participant Engagement

• Build supportive relationships with program participants to encourage engagement in parenting education services.
• Provide encouragement and guidance to parents as they navigate parenting responsibilities while participating in recovery services.

Program Collaboration

• Work closely with clinicians, case managers, home visitors, and peer recovery specialists to coordinate support for families.
• Participate in team meetings and case discussions to support family service planning.

Documentation and Program Compliance

• Maintain accurate documentation of education sessions and participant interactions.
• Ensure documentation meets organizational policies and program requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, Child Development, Family Studies, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum one (1) to three (3) years of experience working with families, children, or parenting education programs.
• Experience providing parenting education, family support services, or early childhood programming preferred.
• Experience working with pregnant women, parents of young children, or vulnerable populations preferred.
• Knowledge of child development, parenting strategies, and family support practices.
• Ability to communicate parenting concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences.
• Strong interpersonal and facilitation skills.
• Ability to build supportive relationships with families and program participants.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Additional Requirements
• Valid Illinois driver’s license
• Reliable transportation for community visits or home-based education sessions when required.
• Ability to pass required background checks and clearances.

SMART GOALS

•  Facilitate at least two parenting education workshops per month for program participants
• Provide individualized parenting coaching and support to assigned families
• Promote participant engagement in parenting education services and family support activities
• Maintain 90% compliance with documentation requirements, ensuring services are documented within required timeframes

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand and facilitate group education sessions
• Ability to sit for extended periods while documenting services
• Ability to travel within the community for participant meetings or home visits when required
• Ability to lift and carry educational materials or supplies weighing up to 15 pounds
• Ability to communicate effectively with participants, staff, and community partners

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

Hourly Rate: $21.63

• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with Employer Contributions
• Paid Time Off (PTO) & Paid Holidays
• Life Insurance & Disability Coverage
• Tuition Reimbursement & Professional Development Opportunities
• Wellness Programs & Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) 

Occupational Risk for Exposure to TB:

There is an occupational risk for exposure to TB, as this position involves extensive community and patient contact. Employees in this role are required to comply with annual TB testing as part of workplace health and safety protocols. The only acceptable exceptions to this requirement are documented medical contraindications or religious objections. Employees who decline TB testing will be required to wear a mask when deemed necessary.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Friend Health – HRDI is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, marital or parental status, sexual orientation including gender identity, gender expression, military discharge status, physical or mental disability, or any other status or characteristic protected by law. In addition, Friend Health – HRDI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws (including during the application or hiring process). Friend Health - HRDI supports the Pay Transparency Law as an equal opportunity employer.

Join Our Team!

Friend Health – HRDI is committed to strengthening families and improving maternal and child health outcomes through integrated behavioral health and recovery services. The Pregnant Women with Dependent Children (PWDC) Program supports pregnant and parenting women experiencing substance use disorders by providing treatment services, parenting support, and coordinated care designed to promote recovery, family stability, and healthy child development.

We are seeking a compassionate Parent Educator who is passionate about empowering parents with the knowledge and skills needed to raise healthy and thriving children. In this role, you will provide education, coaching, and guidance that helps parents strengthen their parenting abilities, develop nurturing relationships with their children, and build safe and supportive home environments.