The Family Support Worker I (FSW I) provides in-home support services to clients placed in KidsPeace New England (KPNE) Treatment Foster Care homes and selected Supported Families Homes. FSW I may also be assigned to provide supervised visitation in the Family Visitation Program. The FSW I provides supervision of client visitations, observation and assessment, informal counseling, behavior management, and crisis stabilization services. In addition, the FSW I may implement other services indicated on the client's Individualized Service Plan, including advocacy and/or supporting the client/family in contacts with schools, other agencies or service providers. The position requires attendance at supervision and training, maintenance of paperwork, and on call responsibilities. FSW's may also be assigned to manage special projects. Responsible for the day-to-day provision of client supervision, visitation supervision, visits provided in the Family Visitation Program, counseling, behavior management and other services. Provides psychoeducational and consulting services to clients; serves as family advocate with other systems and service providers.

QUALIFICATIONS:

High School Graduate, Associate or BA/BS degree preferred. At least six months’ experience with children and/or families preferred.

JOB DUTIES:

Supervise children. Assist Treatment Foster Parents (or other parent or substitute parent) in maintaining the day-to-day structure of the treatment environment. Help to ensure client conformance with program structure and behavioral guidelines through the use of positive reinforcement and implementation of reward systems. Provide informal counseling to assist the client with emotional and behavioral issues that affect achievement of client goals. Model appropriate parenting and communication skills in all interactions with children. Teach appropriate methods of discipline, proper boundaries, and treatment strategies appropriate for the client and client family. Provide physical interventions to ensure client safety and/or implement other crisis protocols when clinically indicated. Use good judgment and excellent communication skills to ward off impending crises. Carry pager to provide the first level of on-call back up for Treatment Foster Family. Serve as an effective member of Interdisciplinary Treatment Team which is responsible for developing and implementing an Individualized Service Plan for each client or client family. Attend weekly Treatment Team Meetings with family and Team Leader. Serve as an effective team member/participant. Attend Service Planning Meetings for assigned client(s). Attend meetings with family and other service providers when appropriate and helps family members to articulate needs and concerns. Assist Team Leader (or other Team Leader) with coordination of discharge planning. Identify and incorporate recreational and socialization activities to meet treatment plan and behavioral programming goals. Communicate all relevant client information to appropriate parties on a timely basis. Communicate effectively with collateral contacts, in case meetings, at court proceedings, and in supervision. Communicate directly with other service providers as needed (e.g. psychiatrists, school officials, etc.). Provide sufficient relevant information in language his/her receivers can understand. Facilitate referral to appropriate services and coordination of service providers.  

KidsPeace is proud to be an equal opportunity employer supporting workforce diversity.