Family Support Worker

Description

Family Support Worker

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Summary : Under the supervision of the program Supervisor or their designee, the Family Support Workers provides various supports, which may include monitoring and documenting supervised visitation between foster children and biological parents, engaging children in activities, and providing transportation.

Family Support Workers (FSWs) are compassionate, detail-oriented, and demonstrate a strong sense of healthy boundaries; they play a crucial role supporting children in foster care, as well as providing valuable assistance to resource families as they navigate logistics and challenges.

Visitation is designed to provide opportunities for biological parents to build parental capacity and skills, strengthen family relationships, and increase successful reunification and permanency outcomes for children.

During visitation assignments, Family Support Workers act as a neutral party, allowing non-custodial parents safe access to their child / ren based on court visitation orders, promoting a safe visitation environment and experience, and engage children and parents through role modeling, coaching, and verbal communication.

Supervising visits take place at Aldea’s visitation center or in the community.

• Transportation assignments may include transporting foster youth / clients to and from visits, school, activities, and / or court.
• Activity assignments range from providing onsite childcare during resource parent training events, to engaging youth in outdoor or indoor activities to allow a resource parent a period of respite.

Schedule : Family Support Workers are part-time / per diem / on call employees. Following orientation and training, flexible work arrangements are based on each candidate’s availability.

Work assignments are available Monday through Saturday, between the hours of 7am and 7pm, with shifts ranging from one hour to several hours (based on candidate’s availability).

The program Supervisor will coordinate program activities / shift assignments on a weekly basis, scheduling Family Support Workers for assignments (e.

g., morning school drop off, multi-hour supervised visit, etc.). FSWs are encouraged to be reliable, committed to supporting program needs and must provide availability and accept assignments each month to remain active in the per diem pool and receive hours.

There are no guaranteed hours; however, FSWs may average 4-12 hours per week based on their availability and agency needs.

Duties and Responsibilities :

Supervise visits between children and parents by ensuring children have age-appropriate opportunities for interaction with their parents and by maintaining safety of all participants.

Utilize crisis communication and de-escalation techniques when necessary. Training in crisis intervention and effective communication is provided.

Assist in the orientation of families to the visitation center and discuss procedures / visitation rules prior to the initial visitation.

Maintains clear boundaries with youth and families.

• Prepare and submit case notes based on observations / interventions during the visit.
• Provide a variety of short-term supports to children in foster care and resource families (e.g., transportation to appointments, engage in activities, etc.)
• Assist with special events and projects.
• Communicates and collaborates with external providers and stakeholders, clients and families, and colleagues.
• Completes all required administrative activity, including documentation, schedule requirements, and timecard tracking in a timely and accurate fashion.
• Maintains any professional certification requirements, abides by all provisions of the Aldea Staff Handbook and agency and program-specific Policies and Procedures, and attends required meetings and trainings as scheduled.
• Willing to perform other related duties needed as assigned.

Reporting Relationship :

Program Supervisor.

Subordinate Staff (providing direct supervision) :

None.

Position Requirements

Qualifications :

• A high school diploma / GED and 2+ years’ experience working in childcare, family services, legal, criminal justice or related setting (transferable lived experience will be considered as well).
• Previously completed college-level child development, psychology, criminal justice, or related coursework, and / or domestic violence training and / or knowledge of child welfare, behavioral health, education, and / or criminal justice systems preferred.

Experience working with youth strongly preferred.

• Physically, emotionally, and mentally capable of handling difficult situations and personalities and the ability to maintain professional boundaries with respect, including having conversations to enforce boundaries and say no with confidence.
• Proof of State-required Standard 5.20 and Family Code 3200.5 training (or willingness to attend training upon hire)
• Current CPR and First Aid Certification (or willing to become certified during initial training process)
• Valid driver’s license, access to an insured motor vehicle, and a clean driving record
• Ability to pass / complete employment clearances through FBI & DOJ, TB test, etc.
• Strong oral and written English language skills essential. Spanish bilingual skills preferred.
• Strong attention to detail (for observation and documentation)
• Ability to work independently as well as within a team and to handle pressure while maintaining a helpful and friendly demeanor.
• Ability to comply with all administrative requirements, accept and follow instructions and to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to work harmoniously with others as well as demonstrate a willingness to work with clients of all ages, backgrounds and orientations.

Must seek to understand others, and be sensitive and responsive to, serving culturally diverse populations.

The following requirements are mandated by the State of California and cannot be waived.

• At least 21 years of age.
• Have no record of a conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) within the last five years.
• Have not been on probation or parole for the last 10 years.
• Have no record of a conviction for child molestation, child abuse, or other crimes against a person.
• Have no civil, criminal, or juvenile restraining orders within the last 10 years.
• Have no current or past court order in which you have been subject to a supervised visitation order.

Equipment Knowledge :

Ability to operate basic office machines and equipment, such as telephone, calculator, photocopier, computer.

Work Environment :

Office environment, including carpet and overhead lighting, and community setting. Temperate climate. Low level noise.

Travel :

Local travel is required (generally within a 60-mile radius). All mileage is reimbursed at the standard IRS mileage rate.

Physical Requirements :

Standing and sitting intermittently throughout the shift. Repetitive finger movements, regular computer keyboard use. Limited bending, reaching, twisting, and stooping.

Lifting (average weight 20 lbs. / frequency daily).

Pay : $20.00 per hour

Exempt / Non-Exempt Non-Exempt Full-Time / Part-Time Per Diem Location Treatment Foster Care & Adoptions Number of Openings 5

This position is currently accepting applications.