What is your Job title?

Visitation and Operations Supervisor

What is it exactly that you do? 

I am responsible for coordinating and scheduling all the visitation between the birth parents and the children. I have to contact the biological parents, i.e., making two separate visits for mom and dad and then contacting the FP and making sure visit times are okay.

I am responsible for scheduling seven full-time Case aides, 1 Transporter, and one part-time case aide, who are all responsible for the supervision of the visits between the children and their parents.

I am also responsible for the overall oversight of the building at 17 Herkimer Rd. This entails a variety of tasks which include submitting maintenance requests for minor repairs in the program, maintaining the fleet of vehicles on sight, building safety, daily and weekly walkthroughs of the building, and report any problems or concerns to the appropriate party. I also ensure the grounds are neat and tidy, that the snow and ice removal is continuously kept up throughout the day.

What is your favorite part about your Job?

My favorite part of the job is when a birth parent has positive visits with their child/children and does everything they are supposed to do, all while the child/children get reunified with them.

What is a success story that you can remember that made you feel accomplished in your role?

A success story in my role that I can remember was when a single father got his two sons back right before Christmas. They didn't have a lot, so I asked my three sisters and one brother's family, along with my husband and I, to sponsor them so they could have a great Christmas that year, and they did! I might add I have not heard their names again in the Foster Care system.

But, the best part is when a Foster Parent is working with the Birth Parents and not against them as what happened in the case above. We are a Foster Care Agency, our goal is reunification, and it can take a long time. This particular Foster Family is still FP, and they still work for reunification. They know the deal and do what they need to do. They work with me and make my job enjoyable as they epitomize the substantial role of what a Foster Parent is supposed to be. Whenever I speak to them, I am sure to let them know that I appreciate what they do for me and what they do for the children they care for!