Case Planner-Diagnostic
About The Position
MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency that has been serving children and families in need since we were founded by the Sisters of Mercy/Hermanas de las Misericordia in 1894. Today our agency continues to address the emotional and physical needs of children and families in Brooklyn, Queens and across Long Island through innovative treatments and life-changing interventions. We provide community-based prevention and family foster care services, group homes in the community for struggling children and families within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and short-term residential services for unaccompanied migrant children. Each year, MercyFirst serves more than 3,000 children, teenagers and families overcome enormous obstacles, re-imagine their futures and develop their full potential. NYC Residential Programs provide 24-hour residential care and supportive services for youth with a history of trauma and the presence of complex needs. The Diagnostic Program provides youth with structure and supervision within community- based environment during a critical/emergency period. This high paced, 12-bed residential program provides specialized residential care and time-sensitive diagnostic assessments for teens who are entering the foster care system or require emergency replacement. The program is designed to provide evidence-based treatment to promote emotional and physical safety and stability, practice positive coping skills, and build healthy relationships. In addition, it provides clinical and case management services to support quality placement and or permanency plans for the youth. The case planner for the Diagnostic program will be responsible for TIME-SENSITIVE assessment and case management services for youth for the purposes of placement and permanency planning. This qualified candidate will be a part of a multi-disciplinary that will partner with youth and families in developing a service plan that will promote effective safety, appropriate placement/permanency recommendations, as well as, well-being goals. Case planner will present program’s efforts in legal proceedings, ACS/OCFS meetings and other interagency conferences. The qualified candidate will complete required progress notes, assessments, Psychosocial reports, FASPs, court reports, etc within timely mandates.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (BA) in a related Human Services field Required
- 1+ year work related experience with the knowledge and training in working with children and families including child development stages and family dynamics.
- Strong Engagement, Organizational and Communication skills.
- Knowledge of and commitment to child welfare best practice standards.
- Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency’s mission, core values, Sanctuary commitments and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and belonging (DEIB)
- Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends and to be on call for emergencies.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
- Demonstrate competency in child development.
- Demonstrate cultural competency.
Nice To Haves
- Prior experience working with children and families known to the Child Welfare system, impacted by Abuse and Trauma preferred
Responsibilities
- Conduct regular casework sessions with each client in accordance with Federal, State, and Local mandates.
- Conduct regular home visits and maintain regular contact with birth parents, foster parents, residential care managers and/or resource persons in accordance with mandates
- Document all contacts in designated platforms within established timeframes
- Prepare all required documentation on each case which include progress notes, psychosocial reports, permanency hearing notes, FASPs, PYA etc.
- Attend legal proceedings such as family court hearings
- Actively participate in staff training and supervision meetings.
- Arrange, monitor and document home visits, family/sibling visits.
- Respond to emergencies as needed and/or directed
- Participate in Family Team Conference, Child Safety conference and other organized conferences.
- Training and Participation in the implementation of evidence-based/supported models of practice and treatment: Solution Based Casework
- Availability to assist with after hour supports to clients and families.
- Provide after-care services to clients upon discharge from residential care.
- Participation in weekly supervision, program meetings, trainings and workshops to enhance professional development and advance program development initiatives
- Establish and sustain a workplace environment that is respectful and supportive of staff, all members of family, community service providers, and other external stakeholders
- Collaborate with other community-based service providers to advance client-specific needs and assist with obtaining services including, but not limited to housing, financial assistance, health care, mental health services, education services, legal advocacy, and parenting support
Benefits
- A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family
- 403B retirement benefits
- Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
- Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick days, and 12 paid holidays)
- Free employee assistance program through National EAP
- Insurance discounts for our staff and their families
- Trainings to support professional and personal development
- Employee wellness program
- Employee recognition activities
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
