Position Summary

The Parenting Programs Specialist provides education, guidance, and support to parents and caregivers participating in Methodist Healthcare Ministries’ (MHM) parenting programs. Utilizing evidence-based and evidence-informed curriculums, this position empowers families to strengthen parenting skills, improve family well-being, and foster positive parent-child relationships through a holistic, faith-integrated approach.

The Parenting Specialist leads group sessions, delivers individualized support, coordinates community partnerships, and serves as an advocate for families. This role is critical to MHM’s mission of “Serving Humanity to Honor God” by supporting families in building healthy, resilient homes and communities.

Scope and Impact

This position directly contributes to the improvement of family health, stability, and parenting outcomes throughout MHM’s service region. The Parenting Programs Specialist plays a key role in the development and delivery of programs that promote emotional, physical, and spiritual wellness in families.

The position also enhances community collaboration by maintaining partnerships with agencies, schools, faith-based organizations, and service providers to address social determinants of health and strengthen family support systems.

Decision-Making Authority

The Parenting Programs Specialist works under general supervision while exercising independent judgment in the facilitation of parenting groups, application of program curricula, and coordination of resources for families. Decisions related to program delivery, family referrals, and crisis response are made in alignment with organizational policies, professional standards, and supervision guidance.

Interactions / Working Relationships

• Collaborates closely with MHM leadership, parenting program staff, behavioral health professionals, community agencies, and faith partners.
• Builds trusting relationships with parents and caregivers, serving as a mentor and coach to strengthen parenting practices.
• Engages with schools, social service agencies, correctional facilities, and community organizations to promote family well-being and program participation.
• Represents MHM parenting programs at community events, stakeholder meetings, and collaborative initiatives.
• Works with multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated care and coordinated service delivery for families.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and facilitate parenting education groups using evidence-based and evidence-informed curricula while maintaining fidelity to program design.
• Assist clients in identifying unhealthy parenting styles, beliefs, and coping mechanisms; develop and implement strategies for stress reduction, emotional regulation, and improved family well-being.
• Model the integration of faith and health, emphasizing holistic care across mind, body, and spirit within the parenting curriculum.
• Teach and reinforce life skills to enhance family stability and improve parenting outcomes.
• Work with leadership to develop intervention and response strategies for families in crisis.
• Provide empathetic support and guidance during times of family distress or crisis, connecting clients with appropriate internal or community resources.
• Apply motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care principles with cultural and spiritual sensitivity.
• Refer families to MHM departments and community agencies for additional support and follow up to ensure continuity of care.
• Serve as a family advocate and liaison between clients and community or government agencies.
• Cooperate with local mental health and social service agencies to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Identify community needs and assist in developing projects, programs, or partnerships to address them.
• Compile and maintain an updated database of community resources and partnerships.
• Maintain ongoing communication with MHM departments, local healthcare facilities, social services, schools, and faith organizations to support family success.
• Represent MHM parenting programs within the community to increase awareness and participation.
• Administer standardized assessments, track participant outcomes, and record data accurately in client management systems.
• Support quality improvement initiatives and participate in interdisciplinary committees.
• Coordinate logistics for events such as field trips, socialization activities, community outreach, and educational workshops.
• Maintain budget awareness and stewardship, ensuring appropriate use of program funds.
• Meet productivity expectations established by the program supervisor.
• Maintain detailed and confidential client records and reports in compliance with MHM standards.
• Integrate feedback from reflective supervision and participate in professional growth activities.
• Mentor interns, contract employees, and new team members as assigned.
• Deliver professional presentations to community partners and stakeholders to promote program engagement.
• Support recruitment of host sites and expansion of regional parenting programs.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for referrals and inquiries regarding MHM parenting programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program goals and organizational priorities.

Supervisory or Leadership Responsibilities

This position does not supervise others.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Education, Special Education, or a related field from an accredited college or university required.
• Licenses/Certifications:
• Must obtain and maintain certification in all assigned parenting curriculums within 12 months of hire (e.g., Practical Parenting Education, Nurturing Program, Raising Highly Capable Kids, Living Compass).
• Additional certifications as required by assignment, including: First Aid and CPR, Child Protection Training, Facilitation Training, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, ACEs and Domestic Violence (Purple Ally) certification
• Experience:
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working with parenting education, family programming, early childhood, or elementary education preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to facilitate parenting groups, coordinate community events, and collaborate with multiple partners preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong knowledge of evidence-based parenting and family wellness practices.
• Excellent group facilitation, teaching, and communication skills.
• Ability to engage diverse populations using culturally competent and trauma-informed methods.
• Skilled in crisis response, motivational interviewing, and case coordination.
• Ability to plan and manage community events and educational programs.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with attention to detail.
• Effective problem-solving, advocacy, and interpersonal relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated professionalism, empathy, and compassion in service delivery.

Language Skills

• Fluent in English and Spanish required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to interpret curriculum materials, write reports, and deliver presentations to diverse audiences.

Technology and Tools

• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working with electronic health records (EHRs) or client data management systems preferred.
• Ability to document services efficiently and accurately in digital systems.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

Work performed in a combination of office, community, and off-site settings, including schools, correctional or treatment facilities, and partner agencies.

• Frequent in-town travel up to 50%; regional travel up to 15%; occasional out-of-state travel.
• Flexible schedule required, including evenings and weekends to accommodate families and events.
• Must be able to lift and maneuver up to 50 pounds.
• Exposure to diverse social and environmental conditions depending on service site.