Family Service Specialist

City of New York • New York City, NY

1d

About The Position

The Family Service Specialist works with the Administration for Children’s Services’ Division of Youth and Family Justice, within the Juvenile Justice Initiative (JJI). JJI provides evidence-based therapeutic interventions as an alternative to placement and as an aftercare program for adolescents with delinquency findings who can remain in the community with intensive services. The program aims to support youth and families with services responsive to their individual needs.

The specialist assesses court-involved youth for eligibility for JJI, conducts interviews in detention centers and family homes, and coordinates with agencies and legal professionals involved in individual cases. The role includes preparing reports for judges, attorneys, and service providers; testifying in court; coordinating case conferences; and applying knowledge of therapeutic modalities used with youth in the juvenile justice system. The specialist may also troubleshoot cases involving youth in both child welfare and juvenile justice systems and must provide coverage for colleagues in other boroughs as necessary.

Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community-centered activities related to the duties; or high school graduation or equivalent and six years of related experience; or equivalent education and/or experience.
• All candidates must have at least one year of experience in community work or community-centered activities related to the duties.

Responsibilities

• Assess and identify court-involved youth to determine eligibility for Juvenile Justice Initiative programs and services.
• Conduct fieldwork, including interviewing youth in detention centers and family members in their homes to assess program eligibility.
• Serve as a liaison among detention, the Department of Probation, Family Court, Corporation Counsel, and the youth’s attorney in individual juvenile delinquency cases.
• Prepare detailed written reports for judges, attorneys, and other social service providers regarding the appropriateness of JJI for particular youth.
• Testify in court regarding youth acceptance into the program and in support of submitted written reports.
• Develop a thorough understanding of evidence-based therapeutic modalities for youth in the juvenile justice system, including Multi-systemic Therapy and Family Functional Therapy.
• Troubleshoot, on occasion, cases involving youth with dual jurisdiction in child welfare and juvenile justice systems.
• Coordinate case conferences involving multiple parties to determine the best outcome for youth.
• Provide coverage for colleagues in other boroughs as necessary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time