Preventive Social Worker

Preventive Social Worker

JOB TITLE:  Preventive Social Worker                           

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Preventive Services

PAY GRADE: 81

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt       

SUPERVISOR: Preventive Program Supervisor                                   

Under the general direction of the Preventive Program Supervisor, the Preventive Social Worker provides home-based clinical counseling and case management services to youth and families who have been identified at risk of foster care placement or replacement.  The Preventive Social Worker carries out all job responsibilities with fidelity and accountability to the Agency’s Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles and Strategic Plan.

COMPETENECIES and ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Exercises full compliance with the Agency’s Code of conduct, all Agency policies and procedures and Federal and State laws and regulations
• Exercises full compliance with the Justice Center’s Code of Conduct for Custodians of People with Special Needs
• Employs approved crisis intervention / prevention techniques utilizing accepted practices per Agency policy and procedures
• Reads, understands and accesses the program policy and procedures manual
• Documents Safety Assessments in Client progress notes
• Participates in regular staff meetings, ongoing training and staff development provided by the Agency
• Demonstrates the ability to work in an electronic record system
• Documents all case contact into the case record within 24 hours of service provision.
• Utilizes appropriate measures to assess effectiveness of clinical work with youth enrolled in the program (Casey Life Skills Assessment, CANS & NC Assessment) 
• Demonstrates, promotes and practices cultural competency toward clients and staff through respect and understanding achieved through training and Agency cultural activities
• Recognizes and embraces the diversity of teams, supports and develops the strengths of each individual youth and family
• Assesses, develops and implements individualized goals and objectives identified by the family, foster/resource family, service provider and referral source
• Documents all contacts with youth and family including goals, objectives, methods and maintains the clinical record and all other pertinent documentation in accordance with Agency standards
• Conducts comprehensive strengths and needs assessment with each youth and family.
• Completes all agency and funder required documentation related to opening and closing cases with in specified timelines
• Utilizes flex funds for clients in a prudent manner, following required guidelines to obtain approval, and document use of such funds
• Accurately documents mileage and completes reimbursement documentation
• Assists management in the delivery of the Sanctuary Model aligning operational areas with values of the model 
• Provides individual and/or family therapy within a home-based setting
• Assists the youth and family in managing and planning for safety needs and creates an individualized support plan when indicated
• Ability to arrange schedule to be available to youth and families in their homes/communities
• Acts as an advocate as appropriate, and coordinates linkage and referral to community resources for youth and family needs, including social, recreational, food housing etc.
• Maintains ongoing contact with the referral source, school partners and preventive liaisons, through face to face, phone and electronic communication, for the purposes of service coordination
• Serves as a positive representative of the Agency and of Preventive Services with youth and their family, community resource personnel and Monroe County representatives.
• Perform other similar duties requiring comparable skills utilizing the Sanctuary Model Guiding Principles and Seven Commitment
• All other responsibilities requiring comparable skill as directed by supervisor

SKILLS:

• Strong interpersonal skills with youth, families, staff, and stakeholders 
• Exemplary written and verbal communication skills 
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to balance competing demands on time and resources
• Ability to form, lead, and participate effectively on teams
• Creative problem solving
• Commitment to quality improvement
• Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelors degree, Master’s degree in Social Work, Human Services or related clinical MS degree preferred  
• Current valid social work license preferred; must obtain social work license within 18 months’ of hire date
• Six months’ relevant professional experience (full time or equivalent)
• Valid NYS driver’s license in good standing and has use of an automobile
• Own or have consistent use of an automobile for conducting home visits
• Available to work morning, afternoon and evening hours Mon-Fri in the clients’ homes/community 
• Comfortable with community based work with high risk youth and their families in high risk neighborhoods

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The following lists physical demands an employee will perform on a regular basis: standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling and climbing stairs. 

• Ability to drive
• Ability to sit for extended periods of time
• Ability to walk short distances
• Ability to walk up and down stairs
• Ability to leave a location quickly

Other: