Weekend (Part Time) Family Visitation Coach (Bilingual preferred)

Bridgeshomeward; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 28,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

Bridges Homeward is seeking a Family Visitation Coach to support families and youth in the Greater Boston area. The role focuses on facilitating and monitoring family time for children in foster care and coordinating with birth families and DCF.

The position involves ensuring safety during visits, coaching parents to improve outcomes, and reporting progress within 48 hours. Requires a driver’s license and willingness to work Saturdays.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in social work, psychology, education, or related field, or a high school diploma with 3 years of relevant experience.
• Bilingual preferred; candidates fluent in English plus Spanish, Portuguese, or Haitian Creole encouraged.
• Experience or lived experience in the child welfare system.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate family time between foster children and birth families, coordinating with foster and birth families.
• Transport youth to visitation and ensure safety during family time.
• Manage a caseload of families referred by the Department of Children and Families.
• Provide parent coaching to improve visitation outcomes.
• Prepare and submit observation reports within 48 hours.
• Collaborate with parents, children, DCF staff, Lead Agencies, and BH staff to plan and refer services.
• Monitor interactions impartially and ensure no harm to children.

Skills

Bilingual

Child welfare experience

Education

Associate degree in social work, psychology, education, or related field

High school diploma plus 3 years experience

Job description

This position is for 4-6 hours on Saturdays.

The Family Visitation Coach is a member of Bridges Homeward (previously CFCS) Family Support and Stabilization team serving families, children, and youth referred by the Department of Children and Families, or other community providers. The Family Support and Stabilization Program provides a range of services aimed at skill-building for parents and youth, strengthening family relationships, and building a network of community supports and resources in order to promote a safe, stable home life.

The Family Visitation Coach primarily works with families who are receiving family time (visitation) services referred by DCF, however, can work within other services in our FSS Program.

THE AGENCY:

Founded in 1873, Bridges Homeward has evolved over time into a group of dynamic, highly dedicated, mission driven professionals meeting the current needs of the Greater Boston community. We work diligently towards our mission; To provide high quality support and advocacy for children, adults, and families.

Our goal for everyone we work with is to find permanency!

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitates family time with children in foster care and their biological families. This includes: coordinating with Foster Families and Birth families, transporting youth from foster family/school to visitation, and encouraging positive contact and relationship during family time and ensuring safety of family time.
• Organizes and manages a caseload of families and children referred by Department of Children and Families
• Provides parent coaching to increase positive outcomes of visitation, both during and after visits
• Completes accurate and timely (within 48 hours) observation reports and communicates progress and concerns with DCF.
• Collaborates with parents, children, DCF staff, Lead Agencies, community resources, and BH staff in developing plans, specifying resources and services needed, making referrals, and monitoring service provision.
• Observes and monitors interactions between parent and child(ren) in an impartial manner
• Remains within hearing and sight range of parents and child(ren)
• Ensures no physical or emotional harm is done to the child(ren)
• Demonstrates, teaches, strengthens, and models appropriate skills (if necessary)
• Completes treatment plans and progress reviews for assigned caseload within required timeframes.

REQUIRED EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Associate degree in social work, psychology, education, or a related field or high school degree with 3 years' experience working with parents or children.
• Bilingual preferred. We are seeking candidates that speak English and at least one of the following languages: Spanish, Portuguese, and/or Haitian Creole.
• Seeking candidates with lived experience in the child welfare system.

Other requirements:

• Valid driver's license and properly insured vehicle