Family Assessment Specialist
: Job Details :

Child And Family Specialist

The selected candidate will be offered a salary between $84,863.00 - $97,593.00. This position is only open to candidates who are permanent (not provisional) in the civil service title of child and family specialist.

The Administration for Children's Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare and juvenile justice services and community supports. ACS manages community-based supports and foster care services, and provides subsidized child care vouchers. ACS child protection staff respond to allegations of child maltreatment. In juvenile justice, ACS oversees detention, placement and programs for youth in the community. The Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ) provides a wide range of services and programs for youth at every stage of the juvenile justice process. Our goals are to (a) build stronger and safer communities and advance public safety by preventing juveniles from entering the New York City's juvenile justice system, (b) provide therapeutic treatment and services to youth in our custodial care, and (c) help juveniles access the tools they need to leave the justice system for good. We strive to help families and young people by providing supportive services that are responsive to the needs of individual youth and families. CBA (Community Based Alternatives) aims to prevent at-risk young people from getting involved in the justice system and to divert juvenile justice-involved youth from being detained or placed in a residential setting. Programs include our Family Assessment Program (FAP), which provides preventive support to families that are struggling with managing their children; Juvenile Justice Initiative (JJI), an alternative-to-placement program that makes it possible for adjudicated juvenile delinquents to stay at home and receive intensive services in the community; and respite services for youth who are at risk of detention or placement because of family instability. CBA also oversees the Confirm Unit, which facilitates communication and collaboration among many agencies for youth who are involved in both the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. CBA is also responsible for Family Court alternative to detention programs. The citywide programs will divert youth away from juvenile detention facilities when appropriate, by allowing them to remain in the community with supervision and support during the pendency of their juvenile delinquency case. FAP provides support to families who are struggling to deal with everyday challenges. FAP is a diversion program - a program that tries to resolve family problems without having to go to court. Through individualized advice, counseling and referral to arrange of services, FAP works to strengthen families and reduce conflict. Under general supervision, the Family Assessment Specialist will assess the at-risk youth and family. Specific duties will include but not limited to:

• Conduct a service-oriented assessment with families to provide an immediate evaluation of the circumstances and determine appropriate services for the family and assist with developing a course of action.
• Facilitate the initial interview with families in order to bring clinical experience and knowledge to the process, with the goals of promoting a reduction in the number of court level cases and assisting families with making the best available decision regarding appropriate services.
• Hold conferences with families, both in the office and other locations which may include other support and service providers in order to develop the most appropriate service plan.
• Confer with and make referrals to service providers as appropriate.
• Develop written reports for judges and attorneys and give oral presentation to the court on the appropriateness of the service plan.
• Assist families in developing realistic expectations of the Person in Need of Supervision (PINS) diversion process by offering in-depth information regarding the continuum of service interventions, Family Court and placement.
• Ensure all safety and risk concerns are fully identified and addressed.
• Report any signs of neglect and/or abuse to the Borough Director and the State Central Register.
• Consistently apply and uphold state and city law, regulation and policy related to delivery of child welfare services.
• Report regularly to the Borough Director concerning the progress of each child/family on assigned caseload and make recommendations to the Borough Director concerning planning.
• Complete administrative functions, including timely documentation and data entry.
• Complete a written assessment of the families' strengths, needs and service referral.
• Work with the youth, family, service provider and other stakeholders to continually ensure that services meet the needs of the youth and families.
• Collaborate and strengthen partnerships with a variety of community representatives and stakeholders.
• Conduct community outreach by representing the program at events, meetings, and with stakeholders, using direct communication to build relationships and increase awareness of FAP services and programs.

Additional Information Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.

To apply please go to www.cityjobs.nyc.gov or www.nyc.gov/ess for current NYC employees and search for Job ID #719834. No phone calls, faxes or personal inquiries permitted. Note: Only candidates under consideration will be contacted.