Caseworker

Center for Human Development (CHD)•West Springfield, MA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Center for Human Development (CHD) is seeking a Caseworker to join their DCF Transition to Independent Living Program (TILP). This program provides placement and casework support to youth aged 17-22 who are aging out of foster care. The role involves working with youth in unstaffed, agency-leased community apartments throughout Western Massachusetts. The Caseworker will support young people in practicing skills, exploring their independence, and gaining insight into their desired life functions. The position is dynamic and requires a blend of professional skills and direct service with hands-on outreach. The ultimate goal is to increase youth safety, stability, well-being, and self-sufficiency to facilitate their transition to independent living. This includes placing, supporting, and supervising referred youth in scattered site community apartments.

Requirements

Associates or Bachelors Degree preferred
The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with people, particularly youth/teenagers
Previous caseload and outreach experience preferred
Knowledge of life coach responsibilities, experience preferred
Must have a vehicle for work use and current driver's license
Bilingual (English/Spanish) candidates preferred

Responsibilities

Interview and screen young adult referrals
Complete formal processes of intake, assessments of skills and safety, treatment plan development and progress reviews
Utilize multiple databases for documentation
Maintain organized and thorough documentations with adherence to time lines
Develop positive rapport with youth
Develop appropriate goals for youth growth based on assessments and be accountable to support those goals through specifically identified tasks
Participate in all moving in and out activities including seeking and securing rentals, furnishing and moving of belongings, cleaning and maintenance or facilitation of maintenance of properties as needed
Shops for and prepares apartments for youth move in
Maintains a regular schedule of contact with clients and weekly viewing of placements
Attend weekly team review meetings and participate in regular supervision
Collaborate with DCF funding source to form a supportive team and inform on youth progress
Attend virtual and in person meetings for case coordination and reviews
Counsel, support and coaches from a prospective of positive youth development with an understanding of trauma informed interactions
Transports clients in matters related to service delivery (e.g. medical/counseling appointments, school, outside agencies, court appearances, etc.)
Assist with seeking and facilitate participation in employment, job training opportunities and educational programming
Maintain knowledge of community resources for services and housing
Provide direct instruction of independent living curriculums/modules
Assist clients with budgeting and shopping for food weekly
Conduct both announced and unannounced visits to apartment sites
Identify unaddressed client needs and collaborate with funding source and community resources to assist the youth in meeting them (i.e. medical, mental health, financial, skill development, parenting needs)
Facilitate transitional planning for discharge
Monitor for client contract compliance
Participate in schedule of on call coverage