Job Abstract

JOB TITLE: Case Planner

DEPARTMENT: Enhanced Family Foster Care

FUNCTION OF THE POSITION: The Case Planner is responsible for working with the family to support safety, permanency, and well-being to all children and youth. The Case Planner works with the family to develop and support implementation of the service plan, address barriers, assess progress, and identify changes as needed to achieve the goals.

REPORTS TO: Case Planning Supervisor

SUPERVISES: N/A

RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Complete initial face-to-face contact with the child in the foster home within 2 business days.

· Adhering to SCO casework contact policies, the Case Planner will conduct ongoing face-to-face contacts with the child, parent, and foster parent on caseload assessing for safety and risk.

· Complete Foster Home Safety Checklists, Birth Parent Safety Checklists, Safety and Abuse Risk Questionnaires, and Clothing Checklists during casework contacts on a monthly basis.

· Count and monitor medication and medication compliance.

· Complete ongoing documentation in Connections with 7 business days of the event date.

· Assess safety and risk as well as protective and promotive factors and collaborate with families to create safety plans.

· Work in partnership with the child/family to continuously identify their strengths, resources, and supports needed and engage families to actively participate in the development and assessment of their service plan.

· Make referrals for services for children and families, both internally and externally (i.e Health Homes Care Management, CFTSS, Preventive, and therapy).

· Work side-by-side with the foster parent and birthparent to support and provide treatment and crisis intervention to the child in their care.

· Collaborate with parent advocates and case aides to encourage and support parents in taking steps to address personal and/or family challenges so that their children and safely return home.

· Accompanying and supporting children and parents through various appointments including school, medical, and drug treatment, etc.

· Support families through the Public Assistance process, PATH process, and provide referrals, as needed.

· Engage parents and foster families in concurrent planning from the beginning of the case, and work with foster parents toward adoption or KinGAP as appropriate based on each child’s permanency goal.

· Attends all required trainings including Core Case Planning and TRIPP. Case Planners 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.

· Complete timely comprehensive Permanency Hearing reports and FASP’s regarding the status of the family’s action plan and progress towards permanency.

· Complete Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children (ICPC), emergency homestudies, and Termination of Parental Rights packets, as needed.

· Intervene in crisis situations to help the child and family stabilize.

· Reinforce foster parent trainings.

· Attend and testify in court appearances.

· Support and supervise family time between parents and children, as well as siblings and other significant resources. Provide transportation as needed.

· Within 30 days of placement, complete initial treatment plan.

· Attend all interdisciplinary team meetings and actively provide information regarding services being provided to the child.

· Fulfills duty of Mandated Reporter, which entails reporting any suspected instances of child abuse or maltreatment.

· Meet with Supervisor one-on-one on a consistent basis to discuss safety and permanency issues of caseload.

· Communicates and work effectively with SCO foster care support staff such as Case Planners, Fair Future Coaches, Education Specialists, Parent Advocates, Case Aides, and medical and mental health staff and with NYC Children’s Services, outside medical and mental health centers, schools, consultants, other SCO programs, and all other relevant parties.

· Adheres to SCO’s personnel policies.

· Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor’s degree required, BSW or MSW preferred.

· Approved background clearances and fingerprinting are required.

· Excellent oral and written communication.

· Proficiency in computer skills, including Microsoft Office, Excel and Connections.

· Bilingual - Spanish Speaking.

· Valid NYS Driver License required

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 histories of chemical dependency, mental illness, neglect, physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse.

· Be willing to work closely with children, families, and staff from different cultural and religious backgrounds, as well as from varying socio-economic statuses.

· Work competently, compassionately and without judgment with individuals who may identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/or may be in different stages of discovering or disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity.

· Possess a strong belief in people’s 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 program’s 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.