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 with foster care and to adoptees and families, post-permanency.

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 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 Peer Navigator to work closely with our START Program (Supportive Teaming and Resources to Thrive). This position will be primarily based out of the Spokane area and will be part of a new program, in partnership with Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF). Become an integral and valued part of a team working to support families experiencing Involvement with Child Protective Services (CPS).

The START Program helps parents experiencing child welfare intervention in providing a trusting and positive relationship to engage in positive change for themselves and their children. The goal of the program is to increase early engagement with parents to participate in both preventative and restorative services that will increase safety for their children, reduce recidivism of child abuse and neglect and to safely prevent out of home placement.

This individual will have a variety of responsibilities, including providing support and coaching to parents and navigating community resources. The Peer Navigator will need to be highly organized, have strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to hold firm boundaries while also acting with a high level of compassion for the families we serve, and the community members they will interact with. This position involves a hybrid work environment, working remotely and in-person interactions with participants and community.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

·        Provide timely contact and support to parents; regularly meet with the parent(s) (includes in person and through electronic means)

·        Educate the parent around what to expect during the Child Protective Service process through the case planning and service delivery in Family Assessment Response and Family Voluntary Services (FVS); and how to navigate the child welfare system successfully

·        Attend scheduled meetings with the parent(s) and DCYF

·        Assist in the identification & engagement of services for the parent(s) and or their children; strategize and creatively problem solve with parents on how to best meet the needs of their household

·        Provide transportation on limited basis if needed, while exploring other transportation resources with the parent

·        Provide modeling and coaching to parents on how to constructively advocate for themselves and their child(ren) and communicate effectively with other stakeholders.

·        Empower the parent(s) to participate in case planning decisions and follow through with assigned tasks

·        Complete reports, assist with data tracking and administrative tasks

·        Flexing hours to accommodate family needs on an occasional and ongoing basis

·        Occasional travel may be required to Amara offices in Seattle and Tacoma

Minimum Qualifications:

• Lived experience as a parent who has interacted with and navigated the child welfare system (resolution of a CPS investigation and/or dependency case, is transparent about that involvement, and has a commitment to a healthy lifestyle)
• If an applicant is in recovery, a minimum of one year sobriety is required
• Strong written and verbal communication skills required  
• Basic knowledge of child development and family systems required
• Knowledge of child welfare, foster care, and the needs of parents or the ability to quickly learn these things required  
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, discretion, maturity, flexibility, and independent judgment required
• Ability to work with individuals across the spectrum of age, religion, race, culture, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, and gender expressions & identities required
• Ability to work collaboratively with an outstanding professional team, DCYF and community providers.
• Must be at least 21 years old, and have a valid Washington State driver’s license, reliable, vehicle, and proof of auto insurance

Preferred Qualifications

• Highly organized and detail oriented
• Experience as a Parent Ally/Peer Mentor.
• Experience with advocacy in team meetings (e.g., FTDMs, Shared Planning Meetings, etc.).
• Proficiency and fluency in Spanish or other secondary language

Salary and Benefits

This is a full-time position with an annual salary of $50,000-$54,600 DOE. 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. Business related travel reimbursement is available and Amara provides regular training and professional development opportunities. 

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.

Specific clearance requirements can be discussed with 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 accommodations.

To Apply

To express your interest in this position, please send your resume and a one-page cover letter indicating why this position is the right opportunity for you in Smart Recruiters. Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed until position is filled.

Amara is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants that need reasonable accommodation throughout the application process may contact the Hiring Manager for assistance.