Job Information
The Children's Home Society of New Jersey Visitation Aide/Social Service Specialist I in Trenton, New Jersey
ABOUT SUPPORTIVE VISTATION SERVICES (SVS): 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.• Minimum of 1 year experience with children and families, particularly families involved with the child welfare system and/ or affected by trauma. Note: Thirty (30) semester hour credits from an accredited college, which must include twelve (12) semester hour credits in the behavioral sciences, may be substituted for the experience listed above. DESCRIPTION: 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.ESSENTIAL DUTIES: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.The Children’s Home Society is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer M/F/D/V. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.