Description

Summary/Objective: 

The Foster Care Case Planner uses a diverse and strength-based approach for the direct interaction with the child, the Foster Parents, the child's birth family, and the community. The Case Planner acts as a liaison with various private as well as public service providers and resource agencies to coordinate all case management needs of the youth and family. The Case Planner prepares placement & discharge summaries, writes treatment & crisis management plans, attends court proceedings, assists the agency in the implementation of independent living services, and participates in the crisis response on-call rotation. 

Essential Functions:

1. Completes initial Family Assessments on each parent, in addition to each tracked child.
2. Maintains contact with all service providers in regard to all family participants attendance and progress toward achieving treatment goals as they relate to required services.
3. Coordinates visitation for each youth with an identified resource. Provides supervision for visitation regularly to assess the family’s progress.
4. Meets and/or maintains contact with each youth and family member in accordance with the initial Level Agreement and LDSS Contract.
5. Works as a member of a Treatment Team, including the child and family, to develop an Individualized Treatment Plan and assist with identifying goals for the family and each member of the family.
6. Provides Supportive Counseling to the child, birth parents and foster parents. 
7. Participates in regularly scheduled Team Meetings.
8. Work with community agencies, organizations, and systems for long-term planning and support of the families and children served.
9. Attend all Family Court hearings, aide in the preparation of necessary court documentation, and provides testimony.
10. Represent the Children’s Home of Jefferson County as a liaison with various private as well as public service providers and resource agencies.
11. Complete all New York State mandated as well as CHJC reports and forms in a timely fashion.
12. Maintain familiarity with Social Services Laws and Regulations in addition to assuring compliance.
13. Ensuring the Health and Safety of each youth while in the birth home, foster home, and community and create and modify Safety Plans as needed.
14. Provides thorough documentation in regard to all Caseworker activities to include but not limited to face-to-face contacts, phone calls, Case Conferences, Court Appearances, visitation, noted incidents, etc. 
15. Maintains complete and organized case files in accordance with OCFS and CHJC Policies. 
16. Works in partnership with assigned Care Coordinators to ensure the following services are provided:

i) Coordinates all Health Care Services for each new admission and provides on-going oversight of all medical care (to include, but not limited to medical, dental and vision).

ii) Submits necessary referrals for services for youth and birth parents (to include, but not limited to mental health counseling, family counseling, and chemical dependency services).

iii) Completes school enrollment and documentation for each admission to include Early Intervention Services.

iv) Develops and maintains working relationships with local schools to ensure a positive education and experience for each child. Obtains regular updates from the school regarding the youth’s academic progress and attends all scheduled school related meetings.

Agency/Regulatory Compliance:

1. Maintains case records and prepares on-going reports on all children and families receiving services through the CHJC      Foster Care Program.
2. Completes all required documentation. 

Foster Parent Development:

1. Aids in facilitation of GPSII/MAPP and on-going training. Training expectations may include times outside of normal business hours.
2. Other duties as directed.

Work Environment:

Works in a regular office environment, traveling involved

Physical Demands:

Standing, walking, memory, concentration, sitting for long periods of time, hearing, carrying, speaking, writing, bending, pulling, problem solving, lifting, reaching, kneeling, running, seeing, reading, climbing, pushing, and driving.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

Full-Time. Essential position for an essential provider agency. 

Travel:

Travel required. 

Requirements

Required Education and Experience: 

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related Human Service discipline preferred. Two years’ experience working with youth at risk and families. Experience in Child Welfare. Experience in Casework Services. Ability to work with culturally diverse families. Understanding of and experience with Strength-Based and Individualized Care Approach to working with children and families. CORE and Connections Training a plus. Requires self-direction, tact, diplomacy, and the ability to be clear, courteous and professional. Must demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to work cooperatively with others. Must be detail-oriented

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

Valid NYS driver’s license required, GPSII/MAPP Certification, a plus. CORE Training will be required within one (1) year of employment. Mandated Reporter Certification will be required following date of hire.