Making the right match between a home support staff person and a family is one of the most important aspects of the Children’s Department mission. It isn’t your typical hiring scenario.
“We want to be sure we’re hiring for success,” said Emma Collins, Family Support Coordinator. “We have a unique mission at the Olean Center, so we aren’t just hiring to fill a position.”
Interviews for PASS (Personal Assistance Support Services) and HBTS (Home-Based Therapeutic Services) staff are more like a chemistry lesson for Emma, her colleague Shannon Kilty, and Jason Lanzillo, Director of Children’s Services.
“Is this going to be the best fit? Are they an outdoors person or an inside person who likes to watch movies and play video games? Do they like to hike or play sports? We really try to get to know the candidate from the start,” Emma said.
Once a potential match is identified, a meeting is scheduled between the family and potential staff member for a closer look at how a relationship might work. Usually an activity is planned for the child and the potential support worker, which gives the clearest picture of whether that chemistry is the right blend.
“Playing a game or doing a craft can help create a working dynamic between the kiddo and staffer to see how it goes,” Emma said, sharing that on one visit she planned a game of UNO. “By the end of the game the kiddo and staffer were teaming up against me!”
Once a match is made, Center staff checks in with the support staff and family to discuss how things are going and whether any adjustments might be considered for even greater success.
“This works well for retention because we want the staff and family to feel supported,” Emma said.
PASS and HBTS workers generally come to the Center from one of three scenarios: they are an Olean Center employee seeking additional hours or a change; they are a new hire, or they are a family member, friend of the family or someone the family has already interviewed.
“Often times the worker becomes an extension of the family,” Emma said, relating her own experience in working with a family and child with whom she remains in contact for birthday and holiday greetings.
The Olean Center currently has about a half-dozen openings across both programs. The positions are ideal for those looking to pick up some flexible part-time hours.
We’re always looking for people in both programs and right now we’re hiring in all of South County West Warwick, Coventry, and the Providence and Pawtucket areas.
Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and must agree to a background check.
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