Parent-Infant Relationship Practitioner

About Kindred 

At Kindred, we’re convinced the key to living well is healthy relationships with self, family, and others.  But relationships are complicated and sometimes we find ourselves in vulnerable places, disconnected from those who matter most. 

Kindred’s purpose is to realize the power of human connection, and it shapes everything we do. Whether nuclear or chosen, family is the most important relationship in a person’s life. So, we invest in the special bond between children and those that care for them.  We provide road maps toward healing when essential relationships are ruptured. And we understand that accessing timely mental health support can inspire confidence in self and others. Healthy human connection is possible, and together we can realize it. 

The Position:

Job Title: Parent-Infant Relationship Practitioner

Job Type: Two Parental Leave Contracts,  Full-time

Work Arrangement: Remote 

Position Overview 

The Parent-Infant Relationship Practitioner works with parents to strengthen caregiver capacity though interventions/treatments that support the child’s primary caregiving relationship. Parents learn and practice skills that support infant mental health and increase their ability to engage in responsive, caring and nurturing relationships with their child(ren). This role contributes to building a supportive and vibrant community for parents and their children across the Community Programs division. This position reports to the Supervisor of Community Programs. 

This position requires a valid driver’s license, a clean driver’s abstract and use of a vehicle with appropriate insurance. There is an expectation of flexibility with hours to meet client needs; some evening work required. 

Accountabilities

• Complete assessments/screenings and surveys with clients to inform service delivery;
• Provide interventions that support parenting practices to enhance attachment and support infant mental health;
• Program plan and facilitate/develop groups aligned with best practice and/or needs of parent-child relationship;
• Stay current with emerging infant and early mental health research and best practices;
• Facilitate interventions with co-parents including conflict resolution, setting healthy boundaries, etc.;
• Administrative tasks such as data collection, database input and casework documentation;
• Positively represent Kindred and the Community Programs division with sector partners, donors, volunteers and other stakeholders;
• Participate in individual and group supervision, team/agency/division meetings, live observations and professional development opportunities;
• Support clients by accompanying and/or transporting them to appointments, professional meetings etc.;
• Work collaboratively with other Kindred programs and community partners;
• Engage in consultation with supervisor, colleagues, natural supports and other professionals;
• Participate in committees and events that support the agency and the division;
• With support of supervisor, coordinate use of holiday time to best suit the needs of the program;
• Support clients to access internal and external resources;
• Support divisional needs as they arise.

Qualifications 

Education and Experience 

• Master's degree in social work or related Human Services field;
• 3-5 years working with vulnerable populations;
• Eligible and in good standing with professional governing body;
• Training and experience in parent observation and providing direct feedback to parents is an asset;
• Training in interventions that support attachment and social-emotional development; specialized training related to this population, such as Theraplay would be considered an asset;
• Takes a posture of Cultural humility in working with diverse populations; experience with Indigenous and/or Immigrant families is an asset;
• Experience with quality assurance, data management, program outcome measurements and evaluation, and co-creation of reports;

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Familiarity with using computerized tools (e.g., zoom, MS teams, databases) for communication and case management is expected;
• Skills to engage and assist parents who are struggling with mental health;
• Current knowledge of infant and mental health;
• Ability to be innovative, flexible and creative;
• Takes initiative to reach hard to reach clients
• Group planning and facilitation skills; having experience running groups such as Circle of Security, ATTACH, Nurturing Parenting, would be as asset
• Ability to cross train to another divisional role to provide back up when needed;
• Knowledge of adolescent and child brain development;
• Knowledge of domestic violence, substance abuse and mental health;
• Knowledge of Trauma-informed practice, Systems theory and working through a family lens.

Qualities and Characteristics

• Embodies Kindred’s purpose (connection!) as demonstrated by prioritizing, embracing, and thriving in the work through strong relationships internally and externally
• Strong personal alignment with the Kindred values: compassion, courage, family, excellence, and humility

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to apply on the Kindred career site with a Cover letter and Resume. The application will remain open until a suitable candidate is found. We thank all applicants for your interest in this position. Please note, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.  

Successful applicants for this Position must complete Police Information Check 

and Alberta Intervention Record Check. 

Kindred offers a competitive benefits package, which includes health, dental, paid sick/personal days, generous vacation time, life insurance, AD&D, supplemental unemployment benefits plan, long-term disability, and group RRSP with employer matched contributions. We also offer on-going learning and development opportunities, and we hold employee appreciation and social events throughout the year. 

The need for human connection is universal. At Kindred, we believe that everyone deserves to experience belonging regardless of where you come from, who you love, how much money you have or how you choose to pray. By embracing diversity of culture, race, religion, ability, sexual orientation, gender identity, and thought, Kindred is committed to ensuring there is space for you. Kindred approaches its diversity, equity, and inclusion journey with curiosity and humility. We commit to creating a safe and inclusive environment for our staff, clients and anyone we have the privilege of being in connection with.