Preventive Program Caseworker

The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie has been caring for children throughout the Hudson Valley for over 175 years! We strive to empower children and families to achieve optimal health and well being. We are currently seeking a full-time Preventive Program Caseworker at our Community Based Services Program.

Schedule: Monday - Friday 10am-7pm (Saturday-Sunday OFF)

Position Summary:

The Preventive Program Caseworker provides direct case management services to children and families including but not limited to: risk assessment and goal setting, transportation, and community referrals as needed. Frequent local travel required, hybrid work available

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Fulfills training responsibilities according to Children’s Home, NYS Justice Center, and OCFS regulations.

2. Is familiar with and adheres to all agency policies and procedures as outlined in the Direct Care Manual, Employee Handbook and Risk Management Manual.

3. Provides Mandated Preventive Services to a caseload of ~10 youth/families.

   1. Referrals are obtained through Dutchess County DCFS Child Protective Services.

   2. Caseworkers will assist youth and families in following court orders and participate in required programs.

4. Provides safety assessments for youth/families in the preventive program.

   1. Standardized safety assessment tool will be provided for caseworkers to complete with the family.

5. Monitors performance indicators (noted below) to measure family success in the program.

   1. Caseworkers will collect data from youth/family to provide information to preventive QAI personnel.

6. Fills in gaps of care in the event a staff member calls out.

   1. Covers or reschedules family visits should a colleague be unavailable.

7. Provides solution-focused interventions using evidence based practices.

   1. After the initial case assessment the Lead Clinician will help caseworkers to identify appropriate interventions with the youth/families.

   2. Evidence based practices include: motivational interviewing and Functional Family Therapy.

   3. Self-care intervention is an in-home behavioral parenting program that promotes positive parent-child interactions, informed caregiver response to childhood illness and injury, and a safe home environment.

8. Service provision to include supporting youth and families with community integration, specific mental/behavioral health interventions, concrete needs, and social and interpersonal skills.

9. Completes case notes within 24-72 hours of service provision as needed.

   1. Case notes will be documented in the electronic health record system, Kaleidacare

10. Collaborates with families, schools, and other service providers to successfully provide services.

11. Reduces risk of future incidences of child abuse and neglect to maintain child safety for referred families.

    1. All families will have goals to adhere to during service provision

12. Provides needed services to families with cultural humility to help reduce the disproportionality and disparity in the child welfare system.

13. Provides home-based alternatives to foster care of children where children are safely maintained.

14. Enhances family capacity to provide for their children and receive appropriate services to meet their education, physical, social/emotional development, and mental health needs.

15. Ensures the successful community reintegration of children returning to the community from out of home care.

16. Participates in weekly supervision.

17. All other duties as assigned.

The Children's Home offers an outstanding benefit package which includes medical, vision, dental, life insurance, 403(b), tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and a great work environment! Paid time off includes 4 weeks of vacation, 3 personal days, 12 holidays and 9 sick days annually.

MINIMUM Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or CASAC

• Experience working with children and families

• Valid NYS Driver License in good condition as determined by the Agency

• Must complete and pass a pre-employment physical, PPD and drug screen and an annual physical and PPD.

PREFERRED Qualifications:

• CASAC

• Previous experience in preventive service provision

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

1. Ability to sit periodically for computer based work

2. Able to safely operate an agency vehicle in accordance with NYS motor vehicle law

3. Ability to navigate community settings and in home visits

4. Capable of some physical activity

*The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

*The Children's Home participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the form I-9.