Crisis Worker (MST-CAN)

Children's Aid Job Listing•Brooklyn, NY

11d

About The Position

The MST-CAN Crisis Worker supports families and therapists by providing culturally competent crisis intervention, assessment, case management, and advocacy in compliance with ACS policies and procedures. The role addresses concrete needs and barriers to families’ participation in treatment through services such as housing and public-assistance support, educational advocacy, and referrals to community-based resources. The Crisis Worker conducts home, financial, safety, and risk assessments and may assist with moving cases forward when a therapist is unavailable. In some cases, the case planner role may transfer from the therapist to the Crisis Worker; in those instances, the Crisis Worker becomes the staff member primarily responsible for ensuring compliance with ACS and OCFS child-welfare mandates on assigned cases. The position works with families in homes, schools, and other community settings, collaborating with therapists, clinical teams, families, and community stakeholders. It includes participation in training, group supervision, consultation, and on-call activities when qualified. The worker may be required to provide crisis coverage, respond to emergencies, and conduct sessions on weekends. Work hours and location are flexible according to family and departmental needs, including work in the field, community, or Children’s Aid offices, and may include remote work. Children’s Aid’s mission is to help children in poverty succeed and thrive through comprehensive support for children and families in high-needs New York City neighborhoods. Its stated values include putting children, youth, and families first; seeking equity and transformation; striving for excellence; working collaboratively; and leading with compassion. The organization provides equal employment opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment, and retaliation as described in its policy.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or a bachelor’s degree in a related field.
At least one year of related experience working with adolescents and/or families.
Ability and willingness to work with families and teens in homes, schools, and other appropriate community settings.
Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and some weekends as needed.
Ability to work independently and contribute to a team.
Very good interpersonal and communication skills, including strong writing and timely completion of documentation.
Computer literacy.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual Spanish/English skills.
Experience in child welfare, juvenile justice, or mental health settings.
Qualification to participate in the on-call rotation.

Responsibilities

Support therapists by assisting families with concrete needs, services, educational advocacy, and referrals that address barriers to treatment participation.
Promote the organization’s mission, vision, and core values in alignment with its policies and procedures.
Assist with concrete case-management tasks, including rent arrears, utility shutoffs, and furniture assistance.
Update information in PROMIS and CONNX.
Assist with intake tasks and maintain case records for the unit.
Monitor school attendance, obtain school records, and request medical records for minor children.
Conduct Safe Sleep assessments for infants and ongoing safety and risk assessments of younger children as needed.
Conduct home assessments and assess families’ financial resources as needed.
Research and identify community services, including mental health and domestic-violence programs and pro-social activities for adolescents.
Accompany clients to entitlement appointments, including HRA/Public Assistance appointments, and make referrals or appointments with agencies and collateral contacts.
Complete required child-welfare documentation, including progress notes and assessment forms; when assigned a case-planner role, complete FASPs and/or Plan Amendments as required.
Engage primary caregivers and other key participants in change-oriented treatment by identifying and addressing barriers to engagement.
Assist therapists in implementing the MST Analytic Process, including problem conceptualization, treatment planning, intervention implementation, outcome review, and strategy revision.
Maintain clear, concise documentation of treatment efforts that supports peer and supervisory review and demonstrates compliance with MST Principles and the MST Analytic Process.
Perform safety checks at the direction of a supervisor or therapist, respond to emergencies, and implement crisis plans.
Obtain drug screens and/or breathalyzers for parents or youth who are abusing substances.
Participate in MST-CAN training, supervision, and consultation activities, and attend other training necessary for the role.
Build relationships with community stakeholders, including child protection services, Guardians ad Litem, judges, and schools, to support coordination among providers.
Assist the clinical team and parents with children’s school adjustment.
Assist with CAN-TAM-R collection by connecting families with the interviewer and helping families complete paper TAMs.
Assist with the on-call rotation if qualified, be available by phone 24/7 or as needed for client crises, and conduct weekend sessions as needed to accommodate clients.
Work flexible hours and in the field, community, or Children’s Aid offices as needed to serve families and manage time and resources effectively.
Perform other duties as assigned.