PRIMARY FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

Provide direct case management services including assessment, counseling, crisis intervention, referral, and advocacy to ensure an effective social service support plan is in place to enable the successful relocation of families to permanent housing.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Utilizing the Department of Homeless Services (DHS) - Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) complete family’s intake assessment, service plan/independent living plan, housing, next step conferences/transfers, incident reports, progress notes, etc.
• Utilizing the DHS Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES), Review accessible information from Human Resource Administration, Administration for Children Services, Department of Probation, Department of Homeless Services, etc.
• Utilizing the DHS Client Assistance and Re-housing Enterprise System (CARES) ensure that all information is updated in system in a timely fashion as required by DHS.
• Provide advocacy and referral services to ensure clients receive appropriate benefits, entitlements and services thereby enhancing their transition to permanent housing while minimizing the length of time families are homeless.
• Coordinate services, as needed, to stabilize the family unit, deal with problems of substance abuse, or improve housekeeping, parenting and money management skills so the goal of permanent housing may be realized.

• Assess and identify the clients' needs, formulate appropriate plans of service, monitor and document progress of service plans and document all significant interactions with or on behalf of the clients to ensure the clear, effective delivery of service to families and the provision of high-quality social services that are in compliance with the State, City and Agency regulations.
• Develop and maintain appropriate helping relationships with the families to assist them in making the most of their residency at the facility and facilitate their active involvement in the achievement of service goals.
• Provide appropriate individual counseling and crisis intervention services to families to help stabilize and minimize the negative impact of the family's displacement.
• Maintain familiarity with off-site and on-site program resources for homeless families and refer families to appropriate resources to ensure that they receive the most beneficial services.
• Facilitate groups, as designated, to address family issues, enhance life skills, and assist families in achieving self-sufficiency and a successful transition to permanent housing. 
• Coordinate client services provided by other social services staff to ensure that families receive the necessary and appropriate services in a timely fashion and to ensure compliance with State and City regulations.
• Facilitate effective communication among staff, both within the Casework Unit and with other staff members.  Ensure the timely and accurate transfer of relevant information to administrative staff, such as client admission and discharge and changes in public assistance cases to ensure the smooth functioning of the family and compliance with numerous regulatory agencies.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned and required including serving on-call for a one-week period each quarter.
• Assist in the transferring clients in and out of the program, when required.

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Facilitate effective communication with other staff within an interdisciplinary context, participate in and contribute to staff meetings and the development of policies and procedures.
• Participate in training and staff-development activities to acquire and maintain both interpersonal and operational skills necessary for successful job performance.

PRINCIPAL RELATIONSHIPS:

• Frequent interaction with diverse clients to assess and respond to their needs.
• Collaborative working relationships with and guidance to, volunteers who provide assistance in the facility.
• Regular contact with other program and Social Services staff to ensure team delivery of consistent high-quality services.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education:  Bachelor’s degree preferred and/or an Associated degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Counseling, Criminal Justice or Human Services.
• Experience:

• a)Bachelor’s degree (preferred) with a minimum of one (l) year of experience in social services, counseling, crisis intervention, family services, preventive services or housing services preferred.
• b)Associate degree (considered) with a minimum of two (2) experience in social services, counseling, crisis intervention, family services, preventive services or housing services preferred.

• Experience facilitating groups for homeless adults, specialized knowledge of substance abuse issues and treatment, and family dynamics treatment is necessary.
• Bilingual language ability highly desirable.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and computer literate in Microsoft-Office.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS (including Physical Demands):

• May be required to work long hours and a varied schedule.
• Travelling throughout various locations in the New York City area.

• Climatic issues of temperature variance and ventilation association with resident facility impact delivery of services.
• Lifting and moving objects weighing up to 30 pounds several times a week.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EEO Statement – Children’s Rescue Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status.