We have been chosen to be one of five foster care agencies in the New York foster care system to implement an evidence-based model called: Child Success NYC-A Foster Care Model.
Child Success NYC is an innovative foster care model that was developed to strengthen placement stability, enhance well-being, and expedite permanency for children in foster care. Child Success NYC links different evidence-based model components to establish a New York City model of care. The Coalition for Hispanic Family Services Enhanced Family Foster Care (EFFC) program and the Administration for Children Services (ACS) will take a new approach to working with foster parents, birth parents, and children/youth in foster care. This new approach includes evidence-based models to work with foster parents, birth parents, and children/youth. We are very excited to be part of this foster care program.
This will be a great career opportunity for individuals interested in learning and implementing evidence-based models within the foster care system and working closely with ACS.
POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Case planning with the goal of permanency for children either through reunification with parents and, if not possible, through adoption, KinGAP, or preparation for independent living. Trained and supported in implementing four evidence-based models used to support families and caregivers. Conducts birth home and foster home visits in addition to field visits; provide referrals to community service providers in accordance with the service plan for the family; refers families to drug treatment, medical, school, and housing welfare setting; works with children in onsite care program; attends court hearings promptly with prepared court reports and/or permanency reports. Any other duties assigned.
Each case planner will have a manageable and appropriate caseload of five to six families with a maximum of 10 children. Each case planner must participate in extensive 2-week training to learn the KEEP and Parenting through Change models and group facilitation process. Case planners will facilitate and co-facilitate groups with the other case planners. The case Planner must develop a mechanism to report the client’s progress.
Case Planners must participate in a weekly coaching session with the KEEP and PTC consultants. The purpose of these sessions is to allow the case planner to receive coaching and feedback regarding model adherence and group facilitation from the consultants. Additionally, the Case Planners will have an opportunity to ask questions and learn other means to apply concepts and techniques from the group in their one-on-one interaction with foster parents, birth parents, and child. The case planner will work in a team, or pod, along with another two case planners. Together they will facilitate and co-facilitate the KEEP and Parenting Through Change Groups.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Implement evidence-based models with foster parents, birth parents/discharge resources, and youth. This includes running groups and supervising family visits using an evidence-based approach.
2. Advise/counsel/advocacy/case planning with parents and/or discharge resources and children.
3. Attend all court proceedings promptly with prepared court reports and/or permanency reports.
4. Maintain a caseload of 10 active
5. Attend weekly team meetings, consultations, and supervision.
6. Conduct home visits to the homes of foster parents and birth parents/discharge resources.
7. Document reports, progress notes, FASP, and plan amendments via connections with the required time frames.
8. Work collaboratively in coordination and providing service with agency/community clinicians, ACS educational providers, collateral agencies, and coworkers.
9. Coordinate and facilitate family and sibling visitation meetings. Supervise as required by the service plan and the evidence-based model.
10. Provides extensive outreach/advocacy services, engages hard-to-reach families, acts as a resource for referrals, and as a community liaison.
11. Provide Family Planning counseling to youth 12 years old and older and document discussions with foster parents.
12. Participate in all trainings, including training for evidence-based models and other trainings to support model implementation.
13. Any other duties assigned.
As a group facilitator or co-facilitator of the KEEP or PTC groups, the case planner is responsible for the following:
1. Conducts weekly groups with parents (foster, kin, biological, and adoptive).
2. Complete pre-session preparation in a timely fashion.
3. Attends and is on time for weekly coaching sessions.
4. Submits recordings of sessions and completes required session forms in a timely fashion
5. Reviews KEEP/PTC feedback and practices strategies with colleagues.
In addition to group facilitation or co-facilitation, case planners are responsible for the following casework functions:
1. Assess and monitor for safety and risk.
2. Conduct required casework contacts with the child, parent, foster parents, and collateral contacts (schools, services providers, medical personnel, mental health practitioners, and substance abuse counselors).
3. Make assessment-based referrals as necessary to meet the needs of the child and/or parent.
4. Participate in Family Team Conferences, placement preservation meetings, reunification/discharge meetings, goal change meetings, and permanency planning conferences.
5. Complete progress notes and other required documentation.
6. Complete FASP and plan amendments.
7. Attend Family Court and attend all permanency hearings.
QUALIFICATIONS:
1. The case planner must hold or BA/BS/BSW with at least two (2) years of documented relevant experience.
2. Case planners are expected to have the following skills and capabilities:
- Ability to effectively engage parents.
- Ability to apply the theory of change.
- Ability to work cooperatively with their agency supervisor(s), KEEP, PTC, ACS, and other team members.
- Ability to provide strength-based feedback and support to foster, kin, and biological parents.
- Ability to enhance communication among parent group members to promote skill development and social networking.
- Reviews KEEP/PTC feedback and practice strategies with families.
3. Bilingual is a plus.
Salary:
47,000-55,000
JOB LOCATION: Brooklyn/Queens – 20 minutes from NYC
Note: This job description and specifications are not intended and should not be construed as an exclusive list of all responsibilities, skills, or working conditions associated with the job. They are intended to reflect the principal requirements of the position accurately. Any questions or concerns should be directed to the immediate supervisor.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $47,000.00 - $55,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Experience:
- Child welfare: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person