SVS Visitation Aide

Job DetailsJob Location: EATONTOWN, NJ 07724Salary Range: $24.03 - $24.03 HourlyThis position is contingent upon the availability of grant funding. This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Visitation Aide at The YMCA of the Jersey Shore intentionally fosters a cause-centered culture that is welcoming, genuine, hopeful, nurturing, and determined.  ABOUT SUPPORTIVE VISTATION SERVICES: Parent-child visitation services for CP&P- involved families with children in out-of-home placement to maintain and strengthen familial interactions and facilitate permanency. Services are provided in the least restrictive setting that maintains safety along  a continuum of supervision based on family need. Core activities include ongoing assessment, visitation, aftercare (post-reunification support), transportation and documentation. Responsible for transporting children and/or parents to and from visitation locations; ensuring safety of passengers, maintaining vehicle; Supervises visits, as needed; Documents transportation encounters and visits; Communicates with visitation specialists, parents, resource parents, children, etc.   Engaging Initiates and maintains ongoing communication with families in a culturally sensitive manner  utilizing a family's preferred language taking into consideration a family's faith and culture. Ensures the environment for parent-child contact is safe, non-traumatizing, and promotes  healthy attachment. Initiates and maintains ongoing communication with DCP&P, other providers, and supports. Active Listening Creates an environment that empowers family members, including parents, children, and  caregivers to communicate their goals and needs. Utilizes various interviewing and/or communication techniques in a culturally competent manner. Recognizes non-verbal communication and maintains good eye contact and posture. Teaming Advocates for parents/families as necessary and supports them in advocating for themselves. Coaching Operates from a trauma-informed perspective. Operational Contact referral source and client within 2 business days of receipt of referral.  Carry a caseload of 1 visit hour and 4 transport hours per day. Part-time staff will conduct a prorated number of transportation and visit hours per week based on hours worked.  Available a minimum of 3 evenings per week.  Establish visit parameters with all parties involved.  Provide transportation to family members who require it as per caseworker.  Supervisor visits according to level of supervision required by caseworker, the exception being emergency bathroom breaks.  Conduct the required number of supervised visits.  Document activity and interaction between family members during visits and provide copies to caseworkers within 5 business days of visit.  Complete program paperwork in a timely manner including end-of-month paperwork, weekly schedules, vehicle log/maintenance, expense forms, and evaluation forms.  Complete all record keeping according to COA and DCF standards, as per YMCA standard. Compile and transmit all required progress reports and termination summaries.  Attend and participate in weekly team meetings. Attend all mandatory training.  Participate in all DCF and YMCA meetings.  Maintain a safe driving record.  Report any abuse/concern of abuse immediately to a live person at DCP&P or police.  Abide by proper car seat laws, rules and regulations.  Ensure assigned vehicles have routine maintenance, updated registration and insurance.  Contribute time and effort towards a Strong Kids activity  Demonstrate proficiency in the use of the Electronic Health Record.  Qualifications Valid NJ Driver’s License and clean driver’s abstract. Minimum of 1 year’s experience with children and families, particularly families involved with the child welfare system. Associate’s degree or 60 college credits, in a social service-related field.  Bachelor’s degree preferred. Skills in problem analysis and problem resolution at both a strategic and functional level. Ability to communicate effectively with all collaterals and stakeholders.