The Organization
Rooted in South Philadelphia, Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance (GPCA) is the result of a strategic merger between Diversified Community Services (DCS) and United Communities Southeast Philadelphia (UCSEP). Both organizations share a long history in the settlement house movement of the late 1800s.
Over the last several years, DCS and UCSEP have experienced a resurgence and extraordinary growth. Capturing the regard of colleagues and funders, locally and nationally, we have earned a reputation as an entrepreneurial trailblazer. GPCA's mission is to break the generational poverty cycle by ensuring equitable resource distribution for vulnerable children, families, and communities. We aim to be Philadelphia's catalyst for community empowerment, partnership, and the upward mobility of families and communities. We are committed to a nonprofit model that promotes social enterprise, an inspiring and safe environment, and a team-oriented culture.
GPCA’s current operating budget is approximately $24 million, with 200+ employees across more than nine programs and eight locations.
GPCA’s programming areas include:
· Children & Youth Development
· Family Development
· Housing & Economic Empowerment
· Community Development
Building on this solid platform, DCS and UCSEP's strategic merger to become GPCA will strengthen our mission impact, fill our need to expand community impact across South Philadelphia and beyond and increase our organizational stability.
Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance seeks a Lead Visitation Coach who is passionate about working with children and their families to provide Case management support. Join Us!
.Position Overview:
This position is an essential component of the CUA case management team and assists the team in achieving the objectives as established in the family’s Single Case Plan, as further detailed below.
Key Responsibilities:
CUA Lead Visitation Coach
Functional Area:
Support Services for Children and Families
Reports to:
Prevention Supervisor
Employment Status/Classification:
Full-time; Hourly; Non-Exempt
Responsibilities:
- Complete all paperwork and other documentation timely and in accordance with the DHS CUA Practice Guidelines.
- Maintain compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and bulletins issued by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) Office of Children Youth and Families. Abide by the Social Work Code of Ethics.
- Translate various assessments of parent and child functioning and developmental capabilities into visit plan to be used before, during and after family visits.
- Provide hands-on coaching during family visits to reunification resource
- Develop visit plans with families that are specific, individualized, and geared to family’s educational and comprehension level.
- Maintain documentation of sessions (including intervention skills used) and contacts with family members and resource parents.
- Maintain regular communication with assigned CUA case manager to share progress updates.
- In collaboration with CUA case manager, consult with behavioral health professionals working with the family to ensure that services and interventions are complimentary and not conflicting or duplicative.
- Maintain regular contact with resource parent(s) to obtain information on child’s adjustment in placement and to promote supportive relationship between resource parent and biological parent/reunification resource.
- Assist with transportation of committed children to visits as necessary.
- Participate in case reviews with other team members
- Immediately report to supervisor any concerns about the safety of children or youth in the household or placement facility.
- Able to work a flexible schedule to meet the needs of children, youth, and families and to cover emergencies. Must be available for a Monday to Friday or Tuesday to Saturday schedule.
- Act as supervisor after hours and when supervisor and director are not available.
- Take on supervision of at least one visitation coach.
- Read and approve notes of the coach being supervised.
- Must have own reliable vehicle with current registration and insurance.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and a good driving record
- Additional duties and responsibilities may be assigned when deemed necessary for the overall welfare of children, youth and families served by the program.
Skills:
- Must be knowledgeable about child development, family dynamics, parenting skills, cultural differences in parenting, and varying cognitive styles of parents.
- Proficiency in English and Spanish preferred
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Familiarity with the dynamics of diverse populations in low income areas
- Demonstrated written and oral communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to set priorities in critical situations
- Culturally sensitive to the needs and diversities of multi-cultural communities
- Knowledge of community resources
- Practices good customer service skills in all working relationships
- Strong interpersonal skills, respectful, and courteous nature
- Knowledge of social services, child welfare and family systems services
- Able to work independently, demonstrating good judgment and prioritizing
- Must be accurate and detail oriented
- Ability to maintain a high degree of discretion dealing with confidential information
Experience:
- Two years’ experience working in child and family serving system.
Education:
- Must have a Bachelor's degree in social work or related field including but not limited to sociology, psychology, counseling, criminal justice, education, divinity, or public health Candidates with a degree in an unrelated field require a minimum of three years’ experience working in child, youth, and family serving systems and an approved waiver from the Department of Human Services.
PA Criminal Background Check, Federal Bureau of Investigation Clearance, PA Child Abuse Clearance, Physical/TB needed, and vehicular/traffic history (PA Driver Information or other state driver information if applicable).
Salary:
Commensurate with education and experience
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Greater Philadelphia Community Alliance is an equal opportunity employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
Experience:
- Social work: 2 years (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Philadelphia, PA 19104 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Philadelphia, PA 19104: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
