Foster Care Family Specialist (5732)

Together for Youth; Buffalo (NY); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Together for Youth in Buffalo, NY seeks a dedicated case manager to assess family strengths, plan and monitor treatment and discharge, and develop permanency resources for youth who may not return home.

You will deliver case management services, conduct home visits at least twice a month, coordinate transportation, document thoroughly, and maintain confidentiality. A flexible schedule including evenings and some travel is required, with a valid driver's license and reliable vehicle.

Qualifications

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related field required.
• A Master's degree (MSW, MHC, MFT, or related) is strongly preferred and may be required for clinical or supervisory roles.
• Preferred 1 year of direct experience working with at-risk youth and families, case management, child welfare, trauma-informed care.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes evenings and variable hours.

Responsibilities

• Assess family strengths and needs; use treatment modalities and resources to effect growth and change.
• Develop, implement and evaluate treatment and discharge plans; pursue permanency resources for youth.
• Deliver case management services; schedule counseling; ensure medical and dental exams; document promptly and confidentially.
• Conduct home/community casework visits at least twice a month; build strong relationships with youth and families.
• Bridge youth, family, and foster care teams via calls, meetings, and reviews; attend treatment reviews.
• Assist reunification by identifying mentors, arranging after-school opportunities, and developing relapse prevention plans.

Skills

Case management

Communication skills

Trauma-informed care

Driver's license

Vehicle access

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or related field

Master's degree (MSW, MHC, MFT, or related)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Web-based documentation systems

Job description

Schedule

8:30AM-5PM, some evenings required, flexible schedule dependent on case needs.

Job Responsibilities

• Conducts assessment of family's strengths and needs; assesses problem areas and utilizes various treatment modalities and resources to effect growth and change.
• Participates in development, implementation and ongoing evaluation of comprehensive treatment and discharge plan. Develops alternative placement or permanency resources for youth that may not return to their families. Completes a comprehensive discharge summary at least eight weeks prior to discharge.
• Delivers effective case management services, including ensuring counseling sessions are scheduled as needed and children receive required medical and dental examinations. Tracks and monitors services provided, completes all documentation in a timely and comprehensive manner. Ensures compliance with confidentiality standards, parental consent and necessary release of information.
• Conducts casework contacts with families, as needed but at least twice a month, in their homes and community settings to focus on treatment goals. Engages youth and family by developing effective and caring relationship. Ensures children are maintained in safe, secure environments.
• Acts as a bridge between youth and family, and foster care treatment teams through telephone, face-to-face contacts, family conferences, comprehensive treatment reviews, etc. Attend treatment review meetings.
• Assists with reunification of youth with family, community, school by implementing permanent supports and resources including but not limited to identifying and working with a mentor, setting up after school recreational and job opportunities and developing a relapse prevention program.

Job Requirements

• Minimum of a Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field is required.
• A Master's degree (MSW, MHC, MFT, or related) is strongly preferred and may be required for clinical or supervisory roles.
• Preferred 1 years of direct experience working with at-risk youth and families, case management, child welfare, trauma-informed care preferably in a home-based, or community setting.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule that includes variable hours: days, evenings, and occasional on-call responsibilities.
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a driving record acceptable to agency standards.
• Access to a reliable vehicle is required, as frequent travel is necessary.
• Ability to plan and coordinate transportation for home visits, appointments, and court-related obligations in an efficient and timely manner.
• Ability to engage and support individuals and families from economically and culturally diverse backgrounds.
• Demonstrated understanding of, equity, and inclusive practices in service delivery.
• Excellent communication skills, including clear and professional verbal interactions, effective and empathetic listening, and accurate, objective, and timely written documentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and web-based documentation systems.

Equal Employment Opportunity

TFY is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to excellence through diversity.

We take actions as an equal opportunity employer to attract, promote, and retain the most fully qualified candidates without regard to race, traits historically associated with race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), creed, color, national origin, ancestry/place of birth, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy or pregnancy related condition), gender identity or expression, reproductive health decision making, sexual orientation, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, familial status, partnership status, veteran status, military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, stalking, or sex offense victim status, criminal conviction record, physical or mental disability, genetic information, status with respect to receiving public assistance, disabled, special, recently separated, active duty wartime, campaign badge, Armed Forces service medal veteran, or any other categories protected under the law.

#PREVTFY