Child Placement Specialist

New Alternatives for Children•New York, NY

1d•$50,000 - $65,000•Onsite

About The Position

New Alternatives for Children, Inc. (NAC) is an award-winning not-for-profit agency dedicated to serving children and families with medical complexities, chronic illnesses, and disabilities throughout the five boroughs. To assist in achieving this mission, NAC is currently seeking a Child Placement Specialist to join its Foster Care-Homefinding.

Requirements

BA/BS/BSW (MSW preferred)
Child welfare experience preferred.
Ability to maintain good and timely communication with colleagues at ACS, NAC and community partners.
Willingness to develop strong relationships, and ability to demonstrate patience, compassion, and empathy for clients.
Ability to establish strong interpersonal skills to foster healthy and productive relationships with clients and colleagues.
Good mediation/conflict resolution skills.

Responsibilities

Coordinates and assists with the matching placement process between children and potential/active foster families.
Clinically assesses all referrals received from Administration for Children's Services (ACS), in collaboration with the Homefinding staff, case planning, medical department, and mental health as appropriate.
Distributes Homefinder placement/admissions and notification packets to appropriate foster care and supportive programs i.e. medical, mental health, education, etc.
Monitors ACS database for referrals, maintain telephone and email correspondence with the Office of Placement/ACS and assessing appropriate referrals for agency.
Completes all ACS and NAC paperwork for Intake in a timely manner.
Works with the foster care department to preserve challenging foster care placements through family support and mediation.
Collaborates with the Homefinding and Case Planning Departments to provide ongoing support for foster parents.
Participates in family team conferences, case reviews and department meetings as needed.
Co-trains prospective foster families in approved pre-certification training curriculum.
Co-facilitate foster parent support groups/workshops with the Assistant Director of Intake and Intake Staff.