The permanency support specialist will divide their time between the permanency support department and the adoption/kinGap department. Will perform daly tasks to help maintain the overall workflow permanency support department and provide assistance to the foster care case work staff with permanency related processes such as (i.e. discharge grants, ICPC and permanency hearing reporting). The permanency support specialist will assist the adoption/KinGap specialists in processing and obtaining vital documents pertaining to adoption and KinGap finalizations in an effort to achieve timely permanency for children in foster care with adoption and KinGap goals.RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Monthly reports and oversight for: Tracking and submission for ICPC applications via NEICE, CCS21+ applications, permanency hearing reports, foster parent rate letters, discharge grants adoption subsidies, and foster home recertification
- Serves as the: LTS, adoption subsidy and NEICE administrator
- Serves as backup for Putative Father Registry (PFR) and State Central Registry (SCR) process (submission, obtaining results and sending to appropriate staff)
- Interstate compact the place of Children (ICPC): update ICPC tracking sheet, update cases in NEICE system, pulling supervision notes and other corresponding from NEICE and sending to staff
- CCS21+: reviews and emal requests, initial and re-auth to ACS, follow ups on approvals
- Monthly reporting and data management for ICPC cases, special/exceptional reporting (back up), hearing (back up), foster parent rate letter
- Discharge grants: process new requests, process and send receipts to internal finance department, ongoing follow up with staff for discharge grant receipt and invoices
- Adoption/KinGap: revews supporting adoption documentation, for submission to Adoption/KinGap attorneys office to achieve timely adoption/KinGap finalizations (back up). Data entry tracking for the adoption process and related documentation, works closely with adoption/KinGap specialists and casework staff in moving freed children toward achieving permanency through adoption
- work collaboratively with casework and homefinding staff
- attends all required trainings, should be aware of any significant changes in the field and be willing to attend outside trainings, seminars, and workshops as needed for professional development
- fulfills duty of mandated reporter, which intails supporting any suspected instances of child abuse or maltreatment
- communicates and works effectively with SCO foster care staff such as youth skills coaches, educational specialists, parent advocates, and medical and mental health staff
- adheres to SCOs personnel policies
- performs other duties as assigned
Other Skills and Requirements:
- Position is based in Queens, attendance at meetings and trainings in NYC is periodically required
- detailed knowledge of family assessment service planning, the child welfare process, NYC procedures and the CONNECTIONS OCFS computer system
- demonstrated ability to manage multiple responsibilties, adhere to tight timeframes and communicate with managers and staff
- superior communication, writing and interpersonal skills
- computer proficient with strong skills Microsoft word, excel, access. familiarity with database software to include ASARA system
Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree required, BSW or MSW preferred
- approved background clearances and Fingerprinting are required
- excellent oral and written communication
- proficiency in computer skills
- bilingual abilities are strongly encouraged
- valid NYS drivers License
In addition, all EFFC employees should possess the following characteristics:
- Be team players. Maintain a constructive, cooperative and positive atmosphere
- Demonstrate commitment to the agency's mission and values
- Be able to empathize and provide quality services to children and families that have history of chemical dependency, mental illness, neglect, physical, sexual/emotional abuse
- be willing to work closely with children , families, and staff from different cultural backgrounds
- work competently, compassionately and without judgment with individuals who may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or may be in different stages discovering or disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity
- possess a strong belief in peoples ability to grow and change; forge a mutually respectful partnership with persons served and their families
- be flexible in their ability to work extended hours or irregular schedules in response to the programs needs. Be willing to travel between the various EFFC offices and other agency sites as required
- demonstrate an ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of practitioner, as well as to intervene appropriately