Family Support Worker

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under general supervision, provides supportive services to families and caseworkers through quality family time (visitation) for parents and children, transportation, parent education and assistance in creating Lifebooks for youth in agency custody. Provides supervision for family time (visitation) which is completed through auditory and visual monitoring of interactions in compliance with the supervision level designated by the initial referral source. Documents family time (visitation) to include all significant interactions between parent and child(ren) and intervention with the parent or child when guidance is required. Communicates with caseworker and supervisor assigned to the case to provide updates and discuss implementation of parental education during designated family time (visitation). Organizes and facilitates parent education courses for families involved with the agency as well as individuals not involved with the agency. Prepares initial Lifebook for all youth entering agency custody.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

A. An Associate Degree level education in a related field. Child Welfare experience preferred

B. A valid Ohio driver’s license

C. Auto insurance required by law and agency needs

D. Access to private vehicle on a daily basis

E. Must be 21 years of age

DUTIES; KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

I. JOB DUTIES90% of time

1. Accepts family time (visitation) referrals for parents and children involved with the agency.

2. Coordinates the scheduling of the family time (visitation) according to availability of parent(s), caregiver(s) and child(ren) and coordinates rescheduling of visits due to cancellations or holidays.

3. Responsible for maintaining and updating the family time (visitation) schedule.

4. Provides visitation transportation and other agency transports as assigned.

5. Provides supervision during family time (visitation) according to the supervision level identified by the original referral source. Participates in discussions and provides input regarding any need for a change in the level of supervision.

6. Demonstrates and assists parents in using/implementing positive parenting interaction, skills and techniques.

7. Develops optional activities for families to participate in during family time (visitation) to promote positive interaction between family members.

Title: Child Welfare Family Support Worker

8. Teaches good health and hygiene practices during family time (visitation).

9. Aides and assists family in home management methods (laundry, budgeting, meal planning, proper nutrition, cooking, cleaning) during family time (visitation).

10. Maintains inventory of supplies for emergency purposes and supplies for visitation purposes.

11. Maintains cleanliness of the visitation rooms, including the contents of the rooms.

12. Ensures proper maintenance of agency car seats.

13. Initiates and gathers pictures/documents for Lifebooks for children in agency custody. Assists in updating the Lifebook periodically.

14. Accepts parent education referrals from a variety of referral sources.

15. Schedules, organizes and provides communication to the individuals for the purpose of attending parent education courses offered at the agency.

16. Prepares for and facilitates parent education courses offered at the agency.

17. Assists in the development and/or update of parent education courses, as needed.

18. Completes documentation in SACWIS in accordance with the agency’s documentation policy.

10% of time

1. Attends staff meetings, unit meetings, case conferences, court hearings, speaking engagements, training and conferences.

2. Participates in committees and task force opportunities.

3. Other related duties as necessary.

II. KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED

A. Agency policies and procedures

B. Ohio Administrative Code Rules

C. General knowledge regarding child welfare laws, procedures and policy

D. Social work techniques applicable to assist parents in developing skills and identifying resources they need to understand and meet their children’s needs and protect them from harm

E. Court processes and procedures

F. Federal and state documentation procedures

G. Knowledge of car seat installation

H. Knowledge of resources available to assist parents and caretakers in reducing identified risk factors for children.

I. Knowledge of child development and successful parenting strategies.

J. Knowledge of family centered practice that includes a strength-based approach when working with families.

III. SKILLS REQUIRED

A. Develop rapport with parents and children

B. Demonstrate positive parenting techniques

C. Basic household management (laundry, budgeting, meal planning, proper nutrition, cooking, cleaning) and personal hygiene

D. Handle sensitive inquiries and contacts with officials and general public

E. Assess family functioning, including safety concerns and risk assessment

F. Work cooperatively with and relate to other units within the agency

G. ork cooperatively with other agencies and professional persons

H. Record, analyze and organize information

I. Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

J. Plan, organize, and prioritize job duties

K. Operate a personal computer

Title: Child Welfare Family Support Worker

L. Prepare and present testimony in court

IV. ABILITIES REQUIRED

A. Gather, collect and clarify information regarding date, people and things

B. Apply principals to solve practical, everyday problems dealing with many variables

C. Establish facts, draws valid conclusions

D. Prepare meaningful, concise and accurate reports

E. Define problems and make sound decisions under stressful circumstances

F. Recognize unusual or threatening conditions and take appropriate actions

G. Interpret a variety of instructions in written or oral form

H. Organize groups and lead discussions

I. Adapt Communication Style to fit a variety of audiences

Equipment Operated

Computer, ten-key calculator, printer, copier, fax machines, automobile, car seats

Physical Demands and Hazardous Working Conditions: The physical demands and hazardous working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of his job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is almost continuously required to sit, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. The employee may continuously repeat the same hand, arm, or finger motion many times as in typing. The position frequently requires non-stop typing on the computer. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, such as files or boxes. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the individual to meet deadlines with time constraints and to interact with the public and other workers. The employee may occasionally come into contact with irate or upset individuals.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is acceptable to this particular environment. However, the noise level can vary depending upon daily activity but will still remain within the acceptable noise level range. The employee continuously is interacting with the public and staff. The employee will be required to meet multiple demands from several people.

Standard work hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Variable hours, likely to include evenings and weekends.

Pay: $19.12 - $24.19 per hour

Expected hours: 40.0 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $24