Case Planner - Foster Care

Description

POSITION: Case Planner

REPORTS TO: Supervisor of Foster Care

CLASSIFICATION: Full-Time

EXEMPT/NONEXEMPT: Exempt

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

Provide case planning support and referral services to children and families within assigned caseload.  Monitor services to ensure the safety of the clients and plan towards reunification or other permanency.  

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Approach work with a positive attitude, with an ethic of service and integrity rooted in the values, mission, vision, and philosophy of Lutheran Social Services of NY (LSSNY).
• Understand that the focus of all LSSNY’s work is for the betterment of those LSSNY serves. 
• Comply willingly with all organizational policies and procedures and supports all functions that attain and maintain accreditation and compliance with regulatory agencies. 
• Contribute to organizational excellence at the individual, team, department, divisional, and agency wide levels. 
• Exhibit integrity, professionalism, and respect both in the workplace and in the communities we serve. 
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and Federal rules and regulations, including HIPAA and mandated reporter guidelines. 
• Ensure quality casework practice through intensive and supportive oversight. Help the program adopt all elements of best practice, from excellent engagement to thorough assessment to partnering with youth and families on goal setting and implementation. 
• Work with Foster Parents and Biological Parents to plan child’s permanency
• Provide support and case management services to foster and adoptive children in foster homes.
• Utilize tracking systems for programmatic performance targets and other reporting measures
• Work in collaboration with Therapists, Socio-therapist, Specialist, Coaches, and external providers to develop therapeutic service planning and trauma recovery strategies.
• Attend Family Team Conferences (FTC) and Treatment Team Meetings (TTM) and provide pertinent information.
• Participate in and ensure follow-up to all FTC, TTM and other case meetings.
• Provide crisis management, mediation meetings, and other therapeutic interventions to program participants.
• Work in collaboration with other departments, agencies, systems, and institutions to maximize resources available to the program participants.
• Establish and maintain therapeutic relationships with program participants, maintaining professional boundaries and a non-judgmental, unbiased approach.
• Ensure quality assurance and excellence in service provision.
• Regularly assess the safety and well-being of all program participants.
• Prepare and send referral packages for necessary services to appropriate community resources.
• Ensure timely submission of Family Assessment Services Plans (FASP) and Permanency Hearing Reports.
• Ensure that service plans are implemented for all youth and children in care in accordance with the Administration for Children’s Services, Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), and LSSNY regulations.
• Prepare updates and Permanency Hearing Reports (PHR) prior to court.
• Participate in and ensure follow-up to case team meetings.
• Diligently document progress towards permanency in progress notes and other client functioning areas (education, mental health services, housing, employment, parenting, Independent Living Skills).
• Enter progress notes in Connections within forty-eight business hours of the event.
• Conduct home visits with children, foster parents, and biological parents in accordance with the ACS (Administration for Children s Services), OCFS, and LSSNY regulations
• Ensure plan amendments are completed promptly for submission.
• Plan for discharge and after-care services
• Prepare psychosocial summaries on behalf of the clients.
• Meet a minimum of once a month with the Supervisor for supervision.
• Other duties as assigned by the Director or Supervisor or needs of the program/agency.
• On Call 24 hours, ability to work flexible hours as needed.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION:
•    Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS/BSW) within human services or an equivalent field. 

EXPERIENCE:
•    Minimum of two years working experience in foster care or related field.
SKILLS and ABILITIES:
•    Proficient in English 
•    Proficient in Spanish preferred.
•    Ability to make appropriate decisions to ensure the safety and wellbeing of families. 
•    Highly motivated self-starter, able to work independently, and exercise good judgment.
•    Effective communication, writing, and organizational skills. 
•    Effective time management skills and ability to prioritize tasks.
•    Ability to collaborate with consumers and co-workers.
•    Ability to improve the skills of others by identifying areas of strengths and developing opportunities, through mentoring and coaching.
•    Ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
•    Ability to use problem-solving and analytical thinking skills.
•    Experience and facility working with Microsoft Office Applications and Connections.
•    Knowledge of city and state regulations (ACS (Administration for Children s Services), OCFS (Office of Children and Family Services), etc.
•    Knowledgeable in working with foster care youth and children and families at-risk.
•    Knowledge of behavior management and child development
•    Understanding of social services theories and systems and supports reunification and maintaining the family of origin as primary objective.
•    Ability to work from a trauma informed lens. Sensitive to intersectionality, diverse cultures, and a demonstrated ability to work within a social/racial justice framework.
•    Ability to navigate throughout New York City using public transportation and/or have a valid New York State driver's license and access to a motor vehicle.
•    Ability to represent the Agency with respect to program development and implementation.

DATE REVISED: 7/25/2023
 

Salary : $55,000 - $58,000