Case Worker - Rising Ground : Job Details

Job Title: Case Worker

Department: Residential Treatment Center

Reports To: Social Worker Supervisor/Director of Social Services

Classification: Non-Exempt

Salary: 50k

Date: 8-26-24

Company Overview: Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 25,000 individuals. We do this through 50 programs in 70 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity shows not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in downtown Brooklyn.

Job Summary:

The Case Worker is a team member of the Social Services Department. The Case Worker's overall job is to provide support to the Social Services Team and to assist with related casework activities. The Case Worker reports directly to the Social Work Supervisor/Director of Social Services. The Case Worker is stationed at the Yonkers Campus.

Professional Practice

• Arrive at work on time, respecting other shift workers and programmatic needs.
• At all times, model the appropriate dress, speech and behavior for residents. This includes dressing professionally or in designated work uniforms/dress code if prescribed.
• Professionally representing the agency when speaking with parents, community members or other stakeholders.
• Respect the privacy of all individuals and maintain client confidentiality as prescribed by law and in Agency policies.
• Utilize agency monies when provided only for prescribed activities. Maintain appropriate receipts.
• Assume the expected role of the treatment team and maintain collaborative relations with members.
• Become knowledgeable and utilize all RTC policies and procedures.
• Attend all mandatory or recommended staff development workshops/trainings.
• Demonstrate organizational commitment which includes supporting and understanding the mission of the Agency.

Skills

• Therapeutic Techniques: Knowledge of and experience with various therapeutic modalities and techniques relevant to residential treatment settings.
• Crisis Intervention: Ability to handle crisis situations effectively and provide appropriate interventions.
• Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with clients, staff, external providers, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Empathy and Cultural Competency: Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations and understand cultural differences.
• Experience: Proficiency in using Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software.

Key Responsibilities:

• Programming:
• Compliance with regulations and best practices of New York City Administration of Children's Services, Local Department of Social Services and the Committee on Special Education. This includes but is not limited to: completion of FASPs, Permanency Hearing Reports, Incident Reports and Progress notes, as well as maintaining casework contact standards as issued by ACS, DSS, CSE and OCFS.
• Responsible for the maintenance of the case records for assigned cases to ensure that all documentation is in the appropriate place
• Comply with all ACS/DSS/OCFS mandates
• Coordinate, track, and facilitate home assessments/sibling visits/face to face contacts with families as per ACS/DSS/OCFS mandates
• Serve as third-party reviewer at SPR/FTCs
• Document casework activities in electronic case records
• Maintain up-to-date case record documentation and reports, including progress notes, Critical Incidents, LSRs/AWOC/Placement Module Requests, etc.
• Attend and participate in court proceedings, hearings and appointments
• Tracking casework related documents/evaluations/reports/events
• Assist with the transportation and related casework activities
• Participate in staff meetings, multi-disciplinary meetings, and planning meetings when applicable
• Attend mandatory trainings as scheduled and all meetings applicable to the role
• Managing a caseload
• Responsible for tracking and responding to all Justice Center incidents
• Conduct home assessments and on-going family visits.
• Other duties are to be assigned as necessary and subject to change depending on case circumstances and program needs.
• Compliance with AWOL and incident reporting procedures when appropriate
• Ensure that children are in receipt of all social service entitlements and are in possession of all legal documents at time of discharge
• Participate in weekly treatment team meetings.
• Complete exceptions to policy when necessary and submit them to appropriate parties in a timely manner.
• Refer children and families to outside services when appropriate.

Other Job Functions:

• Respond to crisis situations when observed or when called for assistance. Model and ensure the appropriate use of TCI techniques including verbal de-escalation techniques, restraint procedures and Life Space Interviews.
• Provide additional support within the cottages or with the support team if needed.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Degree, associate or bachelor's degree preferred in Human Services field or similar

• Experience: One to three years' experience in programs for adolescent population.
• Travel Requirements: The Case Worker is required to attend court hearings, appointments and hearings when necessary. The Case Worker is also responsible for completing home assessments, supervising home visits, sibling visits and other necessary support to the Social Services Department. A valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation are required.

• Skills: Developed verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills. Ability to proficiently multitask and successfully balance multiple projects. Flexibility with changing priorities and ability to successfully manage multiplier projects. Initiator who can prioritize and complete work with minimal supervision. Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred but not required.

• Personal Qualities: Empathy, flexibility, and a commitment to providing high-quality care and support.

Supervisory Responsibility

No

Work Environment:

This position is based out of our Yonkers Residential Treatment Center location for adolescents ages 12-21. May require working in varied environments in the community.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This position is in a 24/7 program. This position requires office hours (9am-5pm) and flexibility in scheduling is appreciated to best meet the needs of the residents and facilities. One (1) remote day is given bi-weekly.

Travel (if required):

This role requires regular travel to clients' homes, courts, schools and other locations.

Physical Requirements:

Must successfully complete Therapeutic Crises Intervention Training (TCI), including the physical portion.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

It is the policy of Rising Ground that the Agency wholly complies with equal treatment of all

employees and applicants for employment without unlawful discrimination as to an individual's

perceived or actual race, creed, color, national origin, alienate, citizenship status, gender, gender

identity, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion, or

veteran status in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring,

compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer,

layoff and termination and all other terms and conditions of employment.