Visitation Specialist

Socket.dev; Ann Arbor (MI); On-site; USD 22,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

Hands Across The Water in Ann Arbor is seeking a part-time Visitation Specialist to support children in foster care and their families.

You will transport clients, supervise visits, coordinate with caregivers, and maintain documentation, while upholding ethical practice and safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum high school diploma; some college or bachelor’s in social work preferred.
• Ability to handle stress, active listening, strong safety assessment skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication; organized and professional.

Responsibilities

• Transport clients to agency activities as assigned.
• Transport children to and from appointments and visits.
• Coordinate supervised parenting-time visits with caregivers.
• Communicate with persons served and other agencies.
• Monitor visits and document progress per policy.
• Provide feedback to parents to improve parent-child interactions.
• Perform administrative tasks such as scanning, filing, and pickups.

Skills

Active listening

Stress management

Safety assessment

Team player

Independent worker

Multitasking

Car seat safety

Written communication

Oral communication

Organizational skills

Education

High school diploma

Some college or bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Job description

Description

Join a dynamic, fast-paced, inclusive workplace focused on high quality services to children and families in our community.

Salary: Starting at $19.00/hour

Mileage reimbursed at .70

This is a part-time, intermittent position with hours up to 20 per week. Hours are mostly between the hours of 2:30 pm -7:30 pm.

Our Values

Commitment to staff and clients of all backgrounds and identities

Emphasis on positive workplace culture and teamwork

Ethical, non-coercive practices in adoption

Vocal advocates for social and political change benefiting children and families

Recognized since 2011 by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s All Children, All Families program for supporting LGBTQ+ youth and families

Supportive Workplace

Hands Across The Water is a licensed, non-profit child placing agency. Our Foster Care Program provides a temporary care for children with a goal to reunify families safely.

The Visitation Specialist provides support services for children in foster care and for their families through ensuring safe and positive visitation opportunities. Visitation Specialist services involve transporting for, and supervision of parenting-time visitation at the agency or other designated community location, including correctional facilities. Observation and parenting coaching/intervention as needed with birth parents during parenting-time visits. Visitation Specialist is responsible for ensuring the safety of the child during supervised parenting-time visits, documenting visit progress as well as providing transportation to and from visit for the child(ren).

Job Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Transport clients to agency scheduled activities as assigned.

2. Transport children to and from appointments and visits as assigned.

3. Coordinate supervised parenting-time visits with the foster care workers, foster parents, biological parents or other relevant caretakers.

4. Communicate with persons served, other agencies, co-workers, etc.

5. Monitor/supervise visitation and document according to agency policy.

6. Provide feedback, visit coaching to parents to improve parent-child interactions.

7. Communicate concerns regarding visits to foster care worker and/or supervisor.

8. Perform approved administrative or supportive tasks such as scanning of documents, filing, pick-up and delivery of items to families, community providers or courts in support of case related activities or agency needs.

9. Assist with agency needs, including events or special initiatives as assigned.

10. Provide services in a manner which empowers clients and follow professionally recognized standards of ethical practice.

11. Participate in monthly meetings with supervisor.

12. Attend agency staff and department team meetings.

13. Participate in agency trainings as directed.

14. Complete at least 16 hours of job-related training per year as specified in the Personnel Manual or as required by the State contract.

Hands Across The Water does not discriminate against an employee or applicant for employment with respect to hire, tenure, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, or a matter directly or indirectly related to employment, because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, height, weight, marital status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, political beliefs or mental or physical disability.

Requirements

The Visitation Specialist shall hold a minimum a high school diploma. Some college or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in social work or a related human services field is preferred. Appropriate candidate for this position must have the ability to handle stress well, have the ability to be an active listener, possess strong safety assessment skills, be flexible and able to handle change and be a team player yet able to work independently. Candidate should be able to multi-task and maintain follow-through on all assigned duties. Knowledge of car seat safety and proper installation desirable. Strong written and oral communication skills, professionalism, organizational skills, comfort and experience working with children and families is necessary.

Candidate may not have been convicted of child abuse or neglect, a felony involving harm or threatened harm to an individual within the 10 years immediately preceding the date of hire or be listed on the central registry as a perpetrator of child abuse or child neglect. The Visitation Specialist/Case Aide shall possess a valid Driver’s License, reliable transportation, positive driving record and proof of automobile insurance. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.