Job Information
St. Catherine's Center for Children Case Worker, Prevention in Albany, New York
About Our Organization:
St. Catherine’s Center for Children is a leading non-profit organization located in New York’s Greater Capital Region. Our comprehensive range of human services reach more than 1,000 children, 600 families, and hundreds of adults across Upstate New York each year. We offer residential and therapeutic foster care programs for children and youth, Kinship support, homeless and community-based services for adults and families, a special education elementary school for ages 5-13, and so much more.
Our spectrum of services for children, families and individuals suffering from the lasting effects of abuse and neglect, family instability, mental illness, homelessness and other ongoing traumas, is continuing to grow. St. Catherine’s employs more than 300 full and part-time staff, and we are committed to cultivating a culture where all employees can bring their authentic and best selves to the workplace. Our DEI-B initiatives are designed to support and build a more equitable, inclusive and diversified workplace, one which exemplifies true respect and dignity.
Our Mission:
St. Catherine's Center for Children provides a comprehensive range of human services designed to offer hope, foster growth, and improve the lives of the children, families and adults we serve.
Position Overview:
To maintain a caseload (families and/or children), providing direct casework services to consumers enrolled in the Prevention Parent Care Program.
Duties & Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
To provide concrete outreach and advocacy services to developmentally disabled parents and/or mental health clients and/or their children; provide supportive case management.
Assist parents/children in development of social support system:
Help parents locate and use community resources;
Help parents become involved in activities to reduce isolation; and
Assist child and/or family and community/school staff in understanding and addressing the needs of children related to their disabilities to minimize interruption in a child’s education.
To be a resource for parents regarding a child’s growth and development.
To be a resource for any needed referrals for additional services.
Provide intensive in-home support to family/caregiver to secure child’s safety; provide guidance with home management skills (nutrition, marketing, budgeting, meal planning), child safety and supervision.
To be familiar with areas of Child Abuse and Neglect.
To maintain a high degree of confidentiality.
To maintain regular contact with other service providers to the family including Albany County DCYF.
To meet at least bi-weekly with the Prevention Supervisor for scheduled supervision.
To participate actively in treatment planning for each family.
To provide psycho-educational training that addresses specific issues that disrupt successful functioning in the community with emphasis on “triggers” that create anxiety and frustration.
To be available to family in times of crisis.
Additional position-related duties and responsibilities as assigned by the supervisor.
To provide transportation for family as needed.
Ability to meet with families at times that are convenient for them.
To coordinate Team Meetings, Service Plan Reviews, intake and discharge meetings with families as well as collateral providers.
Complete FASPS for each family in a timely manner in collaboration with DCYF and other community providers.
Supervise visitation with children and families whose children are in the care and custody of the county.
Position Specifications:
Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or Social Work is required.
Prior outreach experience with families facing ongoing challenges.
Must have a clean and valid NYS driver’s license; be actively licensed for at least one year and have a reliable (fully insured) vehicle for transporting clients (to community resources, meetings, etc.) - with proof of 100/300 liability insurance coverage.
Ability to work with developmentally disabled clients, and adult/child mental health patients.
Knowledge of community resources.
Knowledge of child development, child abuse/neglect, and the Social Welfare System.
Proficiency in various computer applications: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Google Business Workspace Suite (Gmail, Google Docs, Meet, Sheets, etc.); and secure Internet practices.
Experience with AWARDS / NYS Connections.
Ability to handle sensitive data with strict confidentiality.
Must be willing and able to work in close proximity with the clients we serve.
Ability to pass required pre-employment background checks, to include fingerprinting, is required.
What We Offer*:
Competitive Pay with an Excellent Benefits Package
Health Insurance options*: Medical, Dental and Vision
$600 Well-being Reimbursement Benefit*
Generous Combined Leave Time and Loads of Paid Holidays*!
$500 Employee Referral Bonus*
We are a 501(c) (3) agency, which is a qualifying employer for eligible staff under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program*
Pension Plan with Aggressive Agency contribution*
Life Insurance – Automatic Benefit at no cost to employee
Paid Training, including TCI and CPR/AED/First Aid Certification & Update courses, if role appropriate
Tuition Reimbursement*
Travel/ Mileage Reimbursement*
Professional Development & Career Growth Opportunities
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
The Comfort of a Business Casual Environment.
*To qualify, certain conditions may apply
Background Checks: We run a thorough and complete pre-employment background check on all candidates being considered for a position, this includes fingerprinting. All candidates must successfully clear the pre-employment background check process, which follows NYS/DOJ requirements. We pay for all pre-employment background checks!
EEO Statement: St. Catherine’s Center for Children is committed to creating a diverse environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, reproductive health and pregnancy, family history and genetics, disability, age, military status, veteran status, politics, or other beliefs, and any other characteristics protected by law.