Parent Ally Mentor Intern

Why work with YWCA Seattle King Snohomish?

YWCA SKS is the region’s largest non-profit organization with a 120+ year legacy, focused on the needs of women, with programs serving 7,000 people each year. When you work with YWCA, you make a difference.

We’re women and BIPOC-led, family-centered, and supportive of employees. As a full-time YWCA employee (30+ hours), you’ll enjoy a benefits package including medical insurance, generous vacation, holiday, sick leave plans, and an outstanding retirement plan. Put your passion for racial equity and social justice to work – apply today!

What You'll Do

The Parent Ally Mentor Intern supports the work of the Parents for Parents (P4P) program and Homeward House Collaborative by providing peer mentorship services to Homeward House participants: new and expectant parents with substance use disorders entering or at-risk of involvement in the child welfare system. This includes providing outreach, case management, mentorship, and encouragement to families to support the parent-child bond.

This position has a social justice component that will allow for critical thinking around how the external systems impact the work that we are doing through the lens of racism and intersections with poverty. Valuing diversity and championing anti-racism are core values. As an equal opportunity employer, we highly encourage people of color to apply. Bilingual individuals are also encouraged to apply.

Learning Outcomes:

1)     Become well-versed in supportive services available to parents with substance use disorders involved in or at-risk of involvement in the child welfare system in Snohomish County and how to access those resources.

2)     Complete Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) and Parents for Parents (P4P) training and practice related technical skills.

3)     Learn about trauma-informed practices and resources for building parent-child attachment and family stability. 

• Intake and Needs Assessments
• Identifies and assists in outreach efforts to parents referred to Homeward House and at dependency court hearings
• Offers encouragement and helpful suggestions to parents in preparation for the 72-hour Shelter Care Hearing
• Attends Intake and Needs Assessment meetings as scheduled and assists with completion of intake package forms
• Provides parents with resources and referrals including to classes
• Intensive Mentorship Services
• Provides ongoing mentorship to clients participating at Homeward House
• Supports development of plan of action with participant
• Assists with the planning of activities and coverage of Parent Ally Mentor schedule as needed
• Practices active listening and motivational interviewing with participants in crisis, and follows through on finding solutions as needed
• Assists parents with preparation for their court hearings, visitations, and other court requirements as needed
• Ensures all forms and surveys are completed and collected as required
• Attends client consultation meetings with Homeward House team 
• Completes online and in-person mentorship training and Certified Peer Counselor (CPC) training immediately after hiring
• Prevention Services
• Assists with outreach and education services at various locations (i.e., hospitals, court, treatment agencies)
• Helps provide access to basic needs resources (i.e., baby supplies, food, gift cards)
• Collaborates with community partners to coordinate client services
• Attends trainings and other mandatory YWCA-P4P events as needed 
• Other duties as assigned 

• High school diploma or GED certificate
• Must have a working vehicle and a Washington Driver's License and/or reliable transportation.  

• Ability and willingness to work as part of a team
• Demonstrated basic computer competencies such as emailing, calendaring, entry-level data entry and familiarity with Microsoft Office products
• Have been involved in a dependency case due to substance use disorder related issues 
• Have been successfully reunified with their children and had their dependency case closed
• Have been in recovery for at least 6 months
• Can clearly articulate how they have accepted responsibility for the issues which led to their family’s involvement in dependency court
• Commitment to working with homeless families and people involved in or at-risk of involvement with the child welfare system
• Able and willing to provide parents in the dependency process with a positive and constructive perspective
• Knowledge of resources for low-income families in Snohomish County   
• Experience working with clients and staff from diverse cultural and economic backgrounds
• Demonstrated commitment to race and social justice principles 

• Hourly Rate: $23.00
• Hours: 20 hours per week
• Length of Internship: 3 months

• Continuously exchanges information through listening and talking with clients, agency staff, employers, other individuals in the community
• Frequently reaches and grasps in using telephones, computers, fax machines and other office equipment and supplies, stands, walks, sits, and climbs in performing duties in the office.
• Frequently lifts and carries up to 5 lbs. of paperwork, files, and class materials, occasionally up to 40 lbs.
• Occasionally kneels, bends, pushes and pulls in obtaining files in drawers

#LI-Onsite

YWCA encourages applicants with a variety of experiences to apply!

At YWCA, we recognize that lived expertise is a powerful asset. This refers to the insights, knowledge, and skills developed by those who have navigated systems and experienced inequity.

Valuing lived expertise helps build trust with program participants, develop culturally responsive programs, and break down barriers to equity. It enriches our collective understanding and enhances our ability to serve communities that are furthest from opportunity.

Mental Health Considerations

All employees of the YWCA interact with clients who have experienced or are experiencing trauma in various forms, including but not limited to, racial trauma, domestic violence, sexual violence, homelessness, unemployment, and financial hardship. As a result, employees are at risk of secondary trauma. We encourage employees to seek support inside and outside the workplace and maintain self-care routines.

Equal Opportunity Employment

YWCA Seattle King Snohomish is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  To read more about this, view the EEO is the Law Poster and this EEO is the Law Poster Supplement.

For more information

Contact us at careers@ywcaworks.org with any questions or if you need accommodation for your application.