Visitation Counselor

The Visitation Counselor is responsible for providing supervision of visits between children and parents who are referred by the Department of Children and Family Services and are working toward reunification. The visits will take place at a visitation center, foster family home, parent or relative home or in the community. Supervision involves oversight of the interactions between parent and children, transportation to and from visits, and documentation of visits.

Visitation Counselors observe family interactions and provide role modeling, coaching and verbal communication to ensure a safe and successful visit. This program is designed to provide opportunities for parents to build parental capacity, strengthen family relationships and increase successful reunification and permanency outcomes.

The First Stop Visitation Center provides services to children and parents who are referred by Santa Clara Department of Family and Children’s Services who are working toward reunification. The program hosts the visits on site and community, and is designed to provide opportunities for parents to build parental capacity, strengthen family relationships, and increase successful reunification and permanency outcomes. The visitation center is a resource for families to access transportation and support in the reunification process during visits at the center.

Seneca Family of Agencies has been nominated among the Bay Area’s Top Workplaces for several consecutive years. We’re committed to providing traditionally marginalized communities with a network of excellent mental health, community-based, and educational services. We are committed to building a diverse staff. Our programs deeply engage in conversations and training on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to bring equity and justice to the youth and families we serve.

• 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.
• Prepare reports, assessments, goals, and case planning based on observations/interventions during the visit.
• Keep Child Welfare Worker informed of progress and challenges.
• Work with Child Welfare Worker to build enrichment programs/opportunities for each visit.
• Transport children and families as requested by the Child Welfare Worker or Visitation Coordinator.
• Assist in the orientation of families to the visitation center and the procedures for visits prior to the initial visitation.

Required:

• Education/experience requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree OR
  • Associate degree or equivalent + 1 year of applicable work experience OR
  • High school diploma/GED + 2 years of applicable work experience.
  • Applicable experience can include paid or unpaid experience working with youth or families or working in the social services field.
• Experience and interest in working with children and families.
• Flexible schedule with ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• At least 21 years of age.
• TB test clearance, fingerprinting clearance, and any other state/federal licensing or certification requirements.
• Utilize crisis communication and de-escalation techniques as per Seneca's crisis response training. This may include intervening with the clients' behavioral program through physical management of the clients, if applicable. Training in additional crisis intervention modalities may be required.
• Assist with special events/projects that enhance the operations of the visitation center.
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and insurability through Seneca Family of Agencies’ insurance policy.

• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team player.
• Ability to work with a diverse population.

• Tuesday - Friday 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM, Saturday 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

• Starting at $27.32- $29.82 per hour.
  • Actual salary dependent on creditable experience above the minimum qualification.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• 5 weeks of PTO and 11 paid holidays.
• Seneca is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness certified employer.
• Comprehensive employee benefits package, including:
  • Medical, dental, vision, chiropractic, acupuncture, and fertility coverage.
  • Long-term disability, family leave, and life insurance.
  • 50% paid premiums for dependents.
  • 403b retirement plan.
  • Employer-paid Employee Assistance Plan.
• Training stipend and professional development opportunities.
• Opportunities to develop specialized skills, including clinical supervision and evidence-based practices.
• Abundant promotional opportunities across the agency in California and Washington.