Diversion Case Worker

Job Title: Diversion Caseworker

Job Category: 9 – Service Worker

Department/Group: Restorative Integrated Youth Services-RIYS

Location: Utica

Level/Salary Range: NE Min $19.18 hour- Max $30.69

Salary determined by experience and education.

Position Type: Non Exempt, 35 hours a week, Full-time, Flexible Schedule

Position Summary:

The Diversion Case Worker is responsible for providing individualized, intensive community-based diversion services in order to divert youth identified as being “at-risk” of foster care placement or further involvement in the juvenile justice system due to incorrigible or criminal behavior.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Activities include but are not limited to the following:

• Responsible for providing overall preventive and diversion casework coordination/counseling to all assigned cases
• Responsible for conducting a minimal of two casework contacts per month, one that is required to be in the home with the identified family unit
• Responsible for collaboration with all service providers and establishes a team communication plan
• Maintains weekly contact with assigned Support Specialists to discuss service delivery and additional case updates
• Responsible for all case activities which includes serving planning, making recommendations to the Department of Social Services regarding treatment and service needs
• Responsible for documentation requirements including but not limited to conducting initial assessments, reassessments, progress notes, Family Assessment and Service Plan (FASP), Care Plans and any additional requirements within the required contract guidelines and health information technology (HIT) system
• Responsible for linkage and referral and to provide ongoing monitoring of services including individual and family counseling, mentoring, community supervision, recreation, school/community advocacy, psychiatric and psychological services and linkage to other community supports
• Organization and participation in treatment team meetings and service planning conferences
• Act as a liaison between parent/families, Family Court, Probation, school officials, agency personnel or other services providers as necessary and appropriate
• Monitors goals on a continuing basis and that team is actively participating in progress of case plans.
• Monitors that Plan of Care is relevant to the child and family goals
• Consults with family members and social support to maintain support consistency.
• Advocates for additional services and linkages as appropriate.
• Responsible for providing 24-hour on-call crisis and interventions for families there will be a reoccurring on call schedule
• Create and Facilitate group recreational activities with a focus on normative experiences to support pro social behaviors, recreational, artistic, or other positive activities
• Provide or arrange transportation as needed to approved appointments
• Ensure compliance with all pertinent government and agency regulations and operating standards, including maintaining all required documentation and applicable databases.
• Education to families and youth on the juvenile justice system
• Consistently incorporates the principles of wraparound into every interaction with other staff, youth and families
• Maintains stats on individual cases and reports to Project Manager monthly
• Engages in bi-weekly supervision with Project Manager and monthly case reviews with DSS Case Manager
• All other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS / EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• A bachelor’s degree in one of the following fields listed: a major or concentration in social work, psychology, nursing, rehabilitation, education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, recreational therapy, counseling, community mental health, child and family studies, sociology, speech and hearing or other related human services field
• Two years of experience In providing direct services to individuals with behavioral, mental, substance use and/or developmental challenges. Juvenile Justice and/or former casework experience is preferred OR A Master’s Degree in one of the qualifying education fields may be substituted for one year of experience.
• Basic Computer Skills (Windows, Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Travel is required. Must have a valid NYS Driver’s License.
• Competencies and experiences necessary include customer service orientation, diplomacy, diversity, flexibility, follow through, informing others, safety orientation, reliability and consistency, written communication and cooperation and teamwork, listening skill, optimism, quality orientation, analytical thinking.
• Applies and actively shares knowledge, expertise and b2 YEARS est practices with team
• Behavior supports the mission, core values and objectives of the organization.
• Displays flexibility and openness in daily work and encourages others to stay open to change and improvement.
• Accepts and readily adapts to changing priorities, new ideas, strategies, procedures and methods.
• Demonstrates and promotes respect toward coworkers and adapts behaviors to work effectively with varying people and situations.
• Accumulates all relevant information prior to making job-related decisions.
• Presents well-considered alternatives when making recommendations.
• Makes decisions in a timely manner.
• Represents the organization and its network of providers by displaying a respectful and caring manner with clients and their families.
• Addresses all client concerns in a timely and efficient manner and reports any complaints to their immediate supervisor or the Director of Health Home Operations for resolution.
• Complies with quality assurance, OSHA, HIPAA, infection control, safety and other policies set forth.
• Must satisfactorily pass a Criminal History Record Check (including fingerprinting), State Registered Clearance, Mandated Reporter Training, and Staff Exclusion List.

WORK ENVIRONMENT / HAZARDS

• Job related tasks do not involve exposure or potential exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissue and Category I tasks are not a condition of employment. May have exposure to unpredictable individuals and situations when working at CNYHHN sites, its affiliates or the community.
• OSHA Exposure Category III

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Certain deadlines and unanticipated developments may require work during evenings and weekends.
• Ability to quickly address any emergent issues without losing focus on the task at hand.
• The employee must have full sight and hearing with fluency in the English language. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or listen.
• The employee frequently is required to stand, walk and sit. Must be able to sit for long periods of time.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine, scanner, computer printer, etc.
• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position without compromising workflow and efficiency.
• Must have the ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

This position is funded through a grant or contract arrangement with a government, school district or community partner that can change with limited notice and / or is subject to renewal on an annual basis.

WORK CONTACT GROUP

All staff, individuals at sites, visitors, family members, vendors, various county mental health services, various regulatory and professional agencies. There is daily contact with outside providers.

SUPERVISED BY: Program Manager of RYIS

SUPERVISES: NONE

Job Description Acknowledgement

I have received, reviewed and fully understand the job description for Diversion Case Worker. I further understand that I am responsible for the satisfactory execution of the essential functions described therein, under any and all conditions as described.