SVS Visitation Aide

This 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. 

• 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.