Social Worker II - Therapeutic Visitation Specialist - Children's Home Society

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.

Work Location:  Remote and onsite at The Children's Home Society office located at 635 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey

Region Covered: Mercer, Warren, Hunterdon, and Somerset Counties

Responsible for supporting parent-child visitation for families in their homes or communities who require therapeutic intervention; completing initial intake assessments, assessment tools, and visitation plans; documenting visits and completing reports; facilitating parent debriefings before and after visits and visitation planning meetings; transporting children and/or parents; communicating with children, parents, relatives, resource parents, DCP&P, and/or other stakeholders by phone and in person; attending various meetings and trainings; and assessing families’ service needs and linking them to appropriate community providers.

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. Schedules and conducts visits in the least-restrictive, most home-like location while ensuring the safety of the children. 

Assessing

Uses a process to gather information which includes reviewing collateral information and  inquiring about family's natural supports; completes required assessment tools including but not limited to bio-psychological assessments, Rose Wentz Matrix and SVS Caregiver Surveys and documents contacts with  families in agency's progress notes and DCP&P contact sheets.

Active Listening

Creates an environment that empowers family members, including parents, children, and caregivers to communicate their goals and needs.

Teaming

Advocates for parents/families as necessary and supports them in advocating for themselves.  Links the family to community resources and formal and informal supports and coordinates  with DCP&P, sharing relevant information with DCP&P staff, other providers, and         supports.                                                       Facilitates visit planning meetings and participates in other relevant meetings.

Therapeutic Intervening

Uses clinical interventions and trauma informed approaches to promote behavioral change in caregivers and children through education, modeling, reinforcement, and empowerment.

Coaching

Enhances parental skills by goal setting, modeling, mentoring, reinforcement and feedback  and reflection through a trauma-informed perspective.  Prepares for each visit with caregivers reviewing goals.

Education Requirements:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in social work,   counseling, or other related area.

Work Experience Requirement: 

Minimum of one (1) year of work experience with children and families, particularly families involved with the child welfare system and/or affected by trauma. Experience working with diverse populations.

License:

Valid professional license (LPC, LAC, LSW, LCSW). May be in process of obtaining licensure.

Must possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey.