Visitation Coach

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for a talented Visitation Coach who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.

Purpose and Impact:

Visitation Coaches are self-reliant and independent and provide a supportive environment for parents visiting their children who have been removed from their care due to concerns of abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The Visitation Coaches are focused on Reaching agreement with the parent about the child’s needs to be met in visits, connected to the risks that brought the child into care; preparing parents for their child’s reactions and how to plan to give their child their full attention at each visit; appreciating the parent’s strengths in responding to their child and coaching them to improve their skills; supportively reminding parents immediately before and during the visit of how they plan to meet the particular needs of their children; and helping parents cope with their feelings in order to visit consistently.

Essential Functions:

• Thoroughly review referrals for supervision/transportation which include the youth’s strengths, challenges, behavioral triggers, and personal preferences.
• Ensure the safety of youth by following all proper regulations, safety recommendations and procedures each day.
• Record information and document incidents as they occur to help keep track of problem behaviors or unsafe conditions.
• Document all interactions between parents and children/siblings; provide supportive interventions as necessary to guide parent/child during visits.
• Assess and engage families in service planning based on demonstrated needs.
• Assist families in accessing and navigating community resources.
• Attend court hearings and provide testimony as required.
• Transport clients utilizing personal vehicle, as necessary.
• Act as a resource when youth need guidance or advice about specific life situations or social issues.
• Provide the youth their medication as directed.
• Create a safe and caring environment for high-risk youth.
• Ensure child is fed properly during visitations, as applicable.
• Maintain secure and safe area(s) where the supervision is being conducted.
• Maintain accurate case notes, log entries, and other necessary client records. Immediately notify leadership regarding any incident which occurs involving the safety or well-being of the child(ren) during a child and parent/sibling visitation.
• Organize, prioritize, and complete all work assignments by the established deadlines.

All duties are performed in accordance with the following standards:

• Courtesy: Treat customers, the public and staff with courtesy, respect and dignity and presents a positive public image.
• Communication Skills: Keep supervisor fully informed of activities, pertinent issues, upcoming events and potential problems. Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills in daily work.
• Teamwork: Support the unit, department and/or organization and work with others in an effort to accomplish the goals of the unit, department and/or organization.
• Safety: Employee makes a reasonable effort to adhere to established safety procedures and practices in the work area.
• Training: Attend and successfully complete all mandated training courses focused on working with children that have experienced trauma; evidence-based practices will be incorporated into our visitation protocols
• Confidentiality: Adhere to all confidentiality rules.

Physical Requirements:

• Must have a high level of energy, be adaptable to irregular hours, be flexible to respond to emergencies, be able to travel as needed.
• Valid driver’s license and appropriate auto liability insurance required.

Education/Experience:

A High School Diploma or GED required. A bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field or two years of experience working with youth and families in crisis highly preferred.

Skills:

• Incumbent must be strength-based and willing to work with culturally diverse families and children.
• Acceptance of a variety of lifestyles, behaviors, and spiritual practices.
• Strong personal boundaries
• Competent writing and data entry skills
• Patient and compassionate
• Flexible working hours
• Ability to drive both locally and throughout the state in connection with the duties of this position.

Other:

• Must be willing to work irregular hours/shifts to accommodate caregiver, parent, and child visitation schedules.
• Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization.

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Teladoc (24/7 access to doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term disability
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary), AD&D
• Health and dependent care FSA
• 13 paid holidays 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match
• Tuition reimbursement

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.