Location: Brooklyn, NY 11207
Schedule: Mon- Fri from 9am-5pm; 35 Hours/Week; Exempt (Position Requires Staff to be on site. Two Evenings Required)
Salary: $61k- $72k
Additional Compensation: $1,000 sign-on bonus paid in first payroll and $2,000 retention bonus paid out after first year of employment.
Summary
The Social Services Coordinator's role forms a major part of the Youth Reception Center Social Service team. The Coordinator works collaboratively with the wider inter-disciplinary team to assess treatment needs of participants, plan and coordinate services and provide short term intervention where indicated. The Social Services Coordinator is expected to uphold Good Shepherd Services' Mission and demonstrate that “We See What Can Be” in the approach to participants.
Responsibilities
- Perform intake and admissions activities in collaboration with the Case Worker, Residential Life and Health Services.
- At admissions, begin the process of identifying permanent connections and formulating discharge planning, including through the development and use of a genogram.
- Conduct psycho-social evaluation, along with other diagnostic assessments and genogram, of participants and family/significant others. In addition, coordinate evaluations and/or assessments by other providers including the Psychiatrist and Psychologist.
- Coordinate the treatment service planning and implementation activities of the inter-disciplinary team including facilitation of Treatment Team Meetings, treatment plan development and monitoring.
- Collaboratively work with the treatment team and Office of Placement Services (OPS) to expedite the replacement, according to the program requirements, of the participant to a longer term setting or to be discharged from foster care. This includes inter-facing with recommended placements to facilitate the replacement.
- In conjunction with the assigned Child Protective Specialist/Case Planner, explore the viability of alternative resources including but not limited to kinship and extended kin resources to facilitate expeditious replacement or discharge of the participant from pre-placement.
- Particularly for long term participants at the YRC, initiate and facilitate family team meetings with all stakeholders, including the youth, to develop a strategy to expedite replacement or permanency.
- In conjunction with Health Services, coordinate mental health related activities including but not limited to procuring mental health history documentation, facilitating treatment referral, following up with treatment provider on progress, etc.
- Coordinate the post-crisis response efforts of the program including providing crisis intervention and avoidance services.
- Where indicated and appropriate, directly provide short-term individual and family therapy. Support the wider program team in developing behavioral management interventions for participants.
- Facilitate psychoeducation groups with participants.
- Promote permanent connections, including reunification, foster boarding home placement, adoption and alternative living arrangements.
- Participate in weekly individual, group supervision and trainings as indicated.
- Attend internal and external meetings as indicated.
- Maintain mandated paperwork and recordkeeping in compliance with ACS, OCFS and GSS PEP Dept.
- Effectively use and practice the Sanctuary Model tools: safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, team meetings, red flag reviews, treatment planning conferences (or similar) and self-care in the department/program to create a nonviolent and trauma-sensitive culture.
- Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to create a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.
- Integrate the Sanctuary Model SELF (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss and Future) framework into daily practice to ensure quality care and an affective work environment.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Licensed Masters Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Minimum of two (2) in child welfare or related setting required.
- Master's in Social Work Required.
- Clinical work with youth and families required; including crisis management.
- Proven participant sensibility and the ability to communicate with staff on all levels, including team facilitation/coordination experience.
- Demonstrated competence in verbal, written, organizational and prioritization skills, along with strong computer skills.
- Capability to transition easily between working independently with a high degree of self-initiative and contributing as part of a team.
- Must be able to use public transportation systems, including subways and buses to attend various meetings and make home visits. New York State Driver's license preferred.
- Excellent crisis intervention, advocacy and problem solving skills.
- Must have ability to work flexible schedule including some evenings, weekends and holidays, with possible on-call responsibilities.
- Must have a commitment to work from a strength-based, youth development perspective and trauma-informed perspective.
- Bilingual – Spanish speaking preferred,