Mental Health Social Worker

Salary: $64,000 - $66,300

Position Summary:

Under the direction of the Foster Care Mental Health Clinical Supervisor, social workers will provide mental health services for children/adolescents and their families who are part of Children’s Aid foster care program. Social workers will be responsible for delivering therapeutic interventions, diagnostic assessments, skill-building services, and care coordination to children, adolescents, and families impacted by foster care, preventive services, and child welfare involvement. The Social Worker ensures compliance with OMH, DOH, OCFS, and Medicaid regulations, while promoting integrated care to support safety, permanency, and well-being. Social workers will utilize evidence-based treatment modalities including individual and family therapy. These functions are performed under general supervision, necessitating the ability to exercise independent and sound judgement.

Essential Duties:

• Assess the social and emotional needs of clients; develop comprehensive coordinated and person-centered plan of medical, behavioral health, and rehabilitative services.


• Develop and implement individualized person-centered treatment plans (IPCTP) with clients and with family involved in clients’ care.


• Provide ongoing direct counseling and crisis intervention for children/adolescents in foster care.


• Collaborate with foster care staff and other providers on treatment planning and evidence-based treatment.


• Maintains periodic contact with collaterals (foster parents, teachers, birth parents) and Children’s Aid foster care team.


• Completes all documentation in a timely manner and in accordance with OCFS, OMH and ACS regulations. Track IPCTPs for all children in foster care, complete annual reviews.


• Deliver structured, goal-oriented skill-building interventions that promote independent living, emotional regulation, social skills, problem-solving, and coping strategies.


• Coach and model daily living skills.


• Collaborate with caregivers and foster parents to reinforce skill-building strategies in home and community environments.


• Attend all mental health trainings and meetings as scheduled.


• Adhere to agency mission statement and I-CREATE values.


• Comply with all privacy laws including HIPAA, etc.


• Other responsibilities as needed.

 Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in social work or related field required.


• LMSW or LCSW is required.


• Position requires working in person (Bronx and/or Manhattan sites) and remotely.

Key Competencies:

• Experience providing mental health services using evidence-based models preferred.


• Ability to work effectively with families, professionals, and other personnel from a wide range of cultural, social, and economic backgrounds.


• Knowledgeable about trauma and violence and the effects it has on children and families.


• Knowledge of the DSM-V.


• Ability to work independently.


• Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred.

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children’s Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children’s Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children’s Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.