Weld County Department of Human Services (WCDHS) visitation services are designed to actively monitor, assess, and assist in the overall adult/child interactions between parent/relative/caregiver and child(ren) with the intent to improve the quality of the relationship and to expedite and/or maintain the reunification of a family. The Family Support Worker will intervene in the structure of the parent/child relationship by using a number of evidence-based interventions to provide parents with the tools to safely and effectively care for their children.

The Weld County Department of Human Services (WCDHS) employs over 450 workers, who have the skills, passion and drive to service Weld County citizens in 31 incorporated municipalities and across almost 4,000 square miles.

Mission Statement: Engaging and partnering with the community to improve safety, health and well-being of individuals and families through the delivery of responsive and collaborative services.

Vision Statement: The people of Weld County are connected to the resources needed to thrive in the community and feel safe and empowered.

Weld County Department of Human Services’ greatest asset is our staff.

The Ideal Candidate will possess these traits:

1. Enjoys working closely with children and families.

2. Possess strong inter-personal skills and value team collaboration with other staff and clients.

3. Have the ability to gracefully prioritize competing workload obligations.

4. Have confidence in their ability to resolve conflict and problem solve in a fast-paced environment.

This position is located in Del Camino and is part time, 20 hours per week. We are hiring two (2) Family Support Workers.

The following are the schedules:

Evenings - 3 late afternoon/evening shifts on weekdays (3:00 - 7:00 p.m.). AND Saturday or Sundays 8:30 - 5:00 with a 30 minute lunch OR 8:00 - 5:00 with an hour lunch.

$30.19 - $38.25 per hour plus benefits (see benefits tab on the job posting). The position will normally start at $30.19 per hour.

As an applicant for this position, you should be aware of Senate Bill 19-085, the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act. The act requires employers to announce the pay range for job openings. This range encompasses the nine pay steps available should you receive the position and demonstrate satisfactory performance over time.

Use the following link to learn more about Weld County Department of Human Services:

https://www.weldgov.com/Government/Departments/Human-Services

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Other duties may be assigned. (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all duties which may be found in positions of this class.)

Coordinate with Family Support and Visitation Center Scheduler to schedule required monitored or supervised visits for families after the removal of the child(ren) due to abuse or neglect. Schedule visits to accommodate the orders of the Court, the availability of the family and the Family Support and Visitation Center schedule. Implement in-home parent coaching services for families as a part of the reunification process and in an effort to assist in establishing permanency for children. Facilitate Safe- Exchanges of children between parents and caregivers.

Gain and maintain knowledge of physical, cognitive, social and emotional developmental expectations of children from ages 0-18. Demonstrate understanding on how trauma, grief and loss, separation from caregivers, substance use, and domestic violence effect a child/family's functioning. Use knowledge to assist in educating and coaching parents.

Using a strengths-based approach, develop a nonjudgmental, supportive relationship with parents to provide education, feedback and referrals to resources within the community. Offer developmental education specific to each family's needs in addition to educating parents on conflict resolution, healthy communication and non-violent disciplinary practices. Encourage parent attendance in educational opportunities and support groups provided by WCDHS or community partners regarding parenting and interfamilial relationships.

Provide both verbal and written insight to caseworkers regarding family dynamics, parenting skills progress or other identified needs. Thoroughly document visitation sessions, to include: a description of parent child interaction, observations of parenting skills and interventions used. Provide substantive feedback to parents regarding strengths, areas of need and progress in parenting abilities. Refer cases to therapeutic visitation level if the need is observed. Attend court hearings and provide testimony as required.

Assist the Family Support and Visitation Center Team in the development, modification or enhancement of parenting programs and activities to support healthy family relationships, life skills development and kinship provider support. Lead Workshops or Groups that are designed to provide support for parents or to teach basic parenting skills and tools.

Provide transportation, using own vehicle, for children in the custody of the Department of Human Services, to visitation appointments, department or court ordered appointments. This will primarily be within Weld County, but may, on occasion, include locations throughout the State.

Participate in ongoing individual and group supervision, team meetings and division meetings. May perform as an active team member in RED team, family engagement, family treatment court and other professional development meetings. Provide input at meetings, assist in scheduling or facilitating icebreakers and other meetings involving department of human services staff in other units. Accept responsibility for obtaining training or additional professional knowledge on an ongoing basis.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalency.
• Successful completion of a Bachelor's Degree is preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.

Work Experience:

• Two years' experience working with children and families.

Preferred Work Experience:

• Understanding of and experience working with Trauma Informed Practice.
• Experience in a Parent Coaching or Life Skills approach.
• Experience in facilitating trainings and/or workshops.
• Experience working in a public or private human services agency.

Required Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:

• Appointments with clients may be held at the Family Support and Visitation Center, in the family home or in a neutral community location. Must be able to work evenings and weekends to accommodate families.
• Must possess ability to keyboard at 40 words per minute.
• Possess a valid Colorado Driver's License and Liability Insurance. Must provide own transportation and be able to travel throughout Weld County and at times, throughout the State. Must be willing to transport children in own vehicle and use proper/age appropriate restraints.
• Must pass Human Services Background Checks. Background checks include CBI/FBI fingerprinting and will continue to be monitored throughout employment.
• Ability to read and write Spanish in a proficient manner preferred. Ability to interpret and translate between English and Spanish using professional language preferred.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to enter data into several different computer programs. Ability to learn and apply new computer skills on a regular basis. Knowledge of computer programs such as Microsoft Windows and Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Ability to read and comprehend instructions, correspondence and department policies and procedures. Ability to write correspondence.

Ability to effectively communicate in one-on-one and small group situations with parents, foster parents, relative care providers, and community partners. Ability to clearly articulate concepts, directives and goals to employees, professionals and state and community representatives.

Ability to apply math concepts and calculations in the work environment.

Ability to apply common sense to problem solve in a work environment.

Ability to adapt to fast paced, high volume and ever changing work environment and be able to handle high stress and conflict filled situations while remaining calm and professional. Must be well versed in effective conflict resolution and possess ability to deescalate hostile situations.

Follow Human Services policies and procedures, the Weld County Code of Conduct and adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines and appropriate release of information outlined in both. Understand and implement rules and regulations for Child Welfare organizations in Colorado outlined in the State of Colorado Department of Human Services Volume 7 guidelines.

Work may involve time away from a standard office environment, which may consist of driving to and from home visits and in transporting children. Work may occur in situations in client's homes, which could be considered a hostile or unsanitary environment. After hours and on call work situations may occur on occasion in order to provide support to families that need services outside of normal business hours. Work office will be established, but employee may perform work on the Greeley Campus or at one of the other satellite offices when required.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee may be required to sit for extended periods of time and is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and must occasionally lift children up to 50 pounds. The employee frequently is required to use their hands and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and ability to adjust focus such as that used when using a computer or reading.