Do you enjoy helping others? Would you like a career that provides you an opportunity to help families and to make a difference in the lives of children? Join us in creating a brighter future for children and their families.At Kids Central we believe every child deserves to grow up in a safe and loving home that provides a path to a bright future. However sometimes children, and their families, need additional support to ensure their safety and well-being. That is where we step in.This paraprofessional position is responsible for coordinating and scheduling the safe and efficient transportation needs of assigned children in dependency case management. This position assists Family Care Managers and Family Care Manager Supervisors in supervising visitations, documenting visitation observations, transporting children to medical/dental appointments, providing supervision of children, and performs routine clerical duties for at risk families. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty listed below satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be allowed to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Coordinate and schedule transportation in various modes (i.e., car, plane, train, etc.) for Family Support Workers who transport children under Child Protective Services including relocation/placement in foster homes, physician visits, and supervised parental visits.
- Assign/schedule transportation needs to Family Support Workers revising appropriate routes as needs change.
- Assists with supervising children in the play area while parents meet with Family Care Managers, as necessary.
- Supervises parental and/or family visitations as directed by Family Care Managers (FCM) or Family Care Manager Supervisor (FCMS); monitors visitation time and makes decisions to terminate visit if necessary; makes immediate oral reports of visitation and follows up with written visit observation forms.
- Establish positive relationships with children, natural parents, foster and adoptive parents and extended family.
- Demonstrates commitment to providing superior customer service experiences to all staff and clients with a service-oriented attitude in accordance with principles of professionalism and respect.
- Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:Education/Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Three years of experience in providing social service, child development, family services or working in a childcare setting. Associate or bachelor's degree in social services or related field may substitute for required experience.
Licensure/Certifications
- Valid Florida Driver's License with acceptable driving record, as required to drive for business purposes.
- Successfully pass assigned Driver Safety training.
- Must maintain and show proof of the appropriate automobile insurance limits ($100,000/$300,000) per Florida Statutes.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
- Ability to work in a highly visible position and use effective interpersonal communication skills to respond to children and their families, and legal entities (i.e., judges, law enforcement, CLS etc.).
- Ability to assist children with patience and understanding.
- Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional procedures.
- Ability to write concise reports within 24 hours of event or as required by program.
- Must be able to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to interpret a variety of instructions and take appropriate actions.
- Ability to safely operate any type of motor vehicle. Vehicles vary from economy to vans.
WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- Indoor, temperature controlled, smoke-free environment. Outdoor exposure.
- Moderate noise level.
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Good visual acuity and ability to communicate.
- Ability to lift, lower, push, pull and retrieve objects weighing a minimum of 20 pounds. Reasonable assistance will be provided when lifting, pushing and/or pulling which exceeds the minimum requirements.
- Ability to withstand prolong standing and walking. Able to sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach, stoop, bend, and/or kneel during an 8-12-hour day.
ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILEOur mission is, Protecting Children, Supporting Families, and Engaging Communities . Kids Central, Inc. is the lead Community Based Care agency for child welfare in Circuit 5, which encompasses Marion, Lake, Hernando, Sumter, and Citrus Counties. We maintain a system of care for children and families that have experienced or are at-risk of experiencing child abuse or neglect. Kids Central, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, disability, or veteran status as those terms are defined under applicable law. Kids Central is a Drug-Free Workplace, Equal Employment Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.COMPENSATION & BENEFITSKids Central, Inc. provides a comprehensive compensation package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401(k) with company match, and a generous paid time off allotment.Employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V