Foster Care Family Specialist (4565)

Together for Youth•Melville, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Family Specialist is responsible for coordinating a comprehensive case management plan for youth and families to ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of youth in foster care. The schedule is 8:30AM-5PM, with some evenings required and a flexible schedule dependent on case needs.

Requirements

Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is required.
Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes variable hours: days, evenings and occasional on-call responsibilities.
Must possess a valid driver’s license with a driving record acceptable to agency standards.
Access to a reliable vehicle is required, as frequent travel is necessary.
Ability to plan and coordinate transportation for home visits, appointments, and court-related obligations in an efficient and timely manner.
Ability to engage and support individuals and families from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrated understanding of, equity, and inclusive practices in service delivery.
Excellent communication skills, including clear and professional verbal interactions, effective and empathetic listening, and accurate, objective, and timely written documentation.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and web-based documentation systems.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree (MSW, MHC, MFT, or related) is strongly preferred and may be required for clinical or supervisory roles.
Preferred 1 years of direct experience working with at-risk youth and families, case management, child welfare, trauma-informed care preferably in a home-based, or community setting.

Responsibilities

Conducts assessment of family’s strengths and needs; assesses problem areas and utilizes various treatment modalities and resources to effect growth and change.
Participates in development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of comprehensive treatment and discharge plan.
Develops alternative placement or permanency resources for youth that may not return to their families.
Completes a comprehensive discharge summary at least eight weeks prior to discharge.
Delivers effective case management services, including ensuring counseling sessions are scheduled as needed and children receive required medical and dental examinations.
Tracks and monitors services provided, completes all documentation in a timely and comprehensive manner.
Ensures compliance with confidentiality standards, parental consent and necessary release of information.
Conducts casework contacts with families, as needed but at least twice a month, in their homes and community settings to focus on treatment goals.
Engages youth and family by developing effective and caring relationship.
Ensures children are maintained in safe, secure environments.
Acts as a bridge between youth and family, and foster care treatment teams through telephone, face-to-face contacts, family conferences, comprehensive treatment reviews, etc.
Attend treatment review meetings.
Assists with reunification of youth with family, community, school by implementing permanent supports and resources including but not limited to identifying and working with a mentor, setting up after school recreational and job opportunities and developing a relapse prevention program.