LOCATION: Brooklyn, NY
REPORTS TO: Therapeutic Case Management Supervisor
DEPARTMENT: Family Support Services Safe Way Forward
SCHEDULE: Hybrid $1,000 Hiring Incentive
AGENCY BACKGROUND: MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency that has been serving children and families in need since we were founded by the Sisters of Mercy/Hermanas de las Misericordia in 1894. Today our agency continues to address the emotional and physical needs of children and families in Brooklyn, Queens and across Long Island through innovative treatments and life-changing interventions. We provide community-based prevention and family foster care services, group homes in the community for struggling children and families within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and short-term residential services for unaccompanied migrant children. Each year, MercyFirst serves more than 3,000 children, teenagers and families overcome enormous obstacles, re-imagine their futures, and develop their full potential.
PROGRAM BACKGROUND: MercyFirst's A Safe Way Forward Program (SWF) provides child welfare involved families affected by intimate partner violence (IPV) with comprehensive prevention services including therapeutic case management and evidence-based intervention modalities to address IPV. This joint prevention-clinical services model offers comprehensive trauma-informed services to the whole family, including the survivor of IPV, the person causing harm (PCH), and to children exposed to the IPV in the home. Range of services includes in-home visitation, crisis intervention, case management, advocacy, individual, group and family counseling, psycho-education and support, and referral to other appropriate services. The SWF program will serve a total of 65 families residing in Brooklyn.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Therapeutic Case Manager is responsible for screenings and assessment, engagement, safety planning and coordination of services and treatment for members of the family system experiencing IPV. Approach to service is family-centered, trauma-informed, strengths-based and emphasizes both short-term and long-term goals to restore and maintain Safety for all family members, Protect children from future exposure to IPV, and promote Healing and Improved Family Relationships. The qualified candidate will be responsible for adherence to reporting requirements and timelines and meeting programmatic outcome measures.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Masters Degree in Social Work (MSW) or in a related Human Services field Required
- Prior experience working with children and families known to the Child Welfare system, impacted by Abuse and Trauma Required
- Prior experience working with families affected by IPV Preferred
- Demonstrate cultural competence and a commitment to anti-racism work
- Strong Engagement, Organizational and Communication skills
- Knowledge of and commitment to child welfare best practice standards
- Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency's mission, core values and Sanctuary commitments
- Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including evenings and weekends and to be on call for emergencies
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite
- Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency's Mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB).
RESPONSIBILITIES: - Community-based, home-based case work counseling, crisis intervention, safety planning, advocacy, concrete services and referrals, family support and psycho-education with youth and families referred to SWF program in accordance with all applicable ACS, OCFS and Family Court standards, instructions and procedures
- Maintain caseload of 10-11 families, shared with another SWF case manager, alternating primary client as either the Survivor and child(ren) or the Person Causing Harm (PCH) to promote skill development from contrasting perspectives
- Participation in weekly rounds with Clinical Team to ensure integrated approach to case management and clinical services are aligned with family needs
- Facilitate the active participation of family members at Family Team Conferences (FTC) to build consensus around the development of Service Plans that address individual and family system needs and expectations to restore Safety, and promote Stability and Well-being outcomes
- Training and Participation in the implementation of evidence-based/supported models of practice and treatment: Trauma-Focused-CBT (TF-CBT), Alternatives for Families CBT (AF-CBT),
- Responsible for completing timely and accurate Progress Notes, Family Assessment and Service Plans, Court Reports
- Responsible to maintaining case documentation and data entry into systems of record: Connections, PROMIS and ASARA
- Availability to assist with 24 hour on-call support to program personnel and clients
- Participation in weekly supervision, program meetings, trainings and workshops to enhance professional development and advance program development initiatives
- Establish and sustain a workplace environment that is respectful and supportive of staff, all members of family affected by IPV, community service providers, and other external stakeholders
- Collaborate with other community-based service providers to advance family-specific needs and assist with obtaining services including, but not limited to safe housing, emergency financial assistance an, health care, mental health services, substance abuse services, education services, legal advocacy, and representation, parenting support
BENEFITS/PERKS: - A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family
- 403B retirement benefits
- Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
- Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, 12 paid holidays)
- Free employee assistance program through National EAP
- Insurance discounts for our staff and their families
- Trainings to support professional and personal development
- Employee wellness program
- Employee recognition activities
Salary Range: $61,800-$63,860 per year Hiring Incentive - $1,000 after 500 worked hours MercyFirst is an inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer who welcomes prospective employees from diverse backgrounds for all levels at the agency. We strive for a workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve, and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, age (18 and over), military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, marital status, partnership status, care giver status, pregnancy, genetic information or predisposition or genetic characteristic, unemployment status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking, consumer credit history, or any other status protected by federal, state, and/or city law. This includes, but is not limited to, employment actions against and treatment of employees and applicants for employment.