Job Title: Supervised Independent Living Program Caseworker

Department: Center for Youth Development

Hiring Event: Thursday 8.22.24 from 12-3pm at 6350 Main Street in Williamsville!!

Department Description:

Gateway Longview’s Community Based Services supports children, youth and families throughout the community. The objective of the program is to strengthen the family unit or the child’s system of care, continually working toward the overall goal of permanency and stability for all children. Adding to a full menu of 24/7 community based programs, our Center for Youth Development works with older youth aging out of the foster care system as they prepare for independent living.

Agency

Gateway Longview is an equal opportunity employer committed to championing the principles of anti-racism, justice, and equity. We welcome prospective employees from diverse cultures and backgrounds, for all positions, who will uphold our values and contribute to our mission. We aim to have a leadership and workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve.

Benefits

Flexible and remote working options; generous Paid Time Off package; up to 13 paid holidays per year; medical dental and vision coverage; life insurance, 403b retirement with employer matching and health savings account; wellness programs, healthy lifestyle incentives and employee assistance programs

Compensation

Bachelor's Degree: $19.50 - $21.59 per hour

Master's Degree: $21.30 - $23.38 per hour

• Offers based on education and years of relevant experience

Professional Development Opportunities

Gateway Longview has a strong investment in developing the future leaders of the organization through trainings, advancement opportunities, and a formal leadership pipeline.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIES:

• Establish and maintain a supportive, therapeutic relationships with youth and their families or identified permanency resources ensuring diligent efforts toward the identified service plan.

• Provide support, case management, counseling, and training necessary to help youth with a goal of independent living to become self supporting citizens of their community.

• Teach, model and evaluate effective techniques and interventions with youth focused on academic, vocational services and life skills including but not limited to safe and affordable housing services, services to enhance self-sufficiency, and methods to sustain meaningful employment

• Ensure the required number of contacts and visits with youth on assigned caseload which may include frequent visits to their apartments, life skills training, and communication with community providers.

• Attend and participate in treatment planning meetings for cases, highlight issues of permanency and work to create a plan of action.

• Attend court appearances and report on rulings and follow up court date to the agency, youth and families.

• Ensure accurate, timely, comprehensive recording and filing of all components of the case record including but not limited to the Family Assessment and Service Plan (FASP), Youth Assessment and Treatment Plans, Progress Notes, Permanency Consultation and Hearing Reports, Service Plan Reviews, Court documents and summaries. Prepare and document in Connections within 48 hours detailed progress notes.

• Utilize a Solution-Focused Trauma-Informed Care Approach to collaborate with youth, ECDSS, family/natural supports, service providers and community partners (i.e. Buffalo Public Schools, ECC, Job Training Programs) to minimize barriers, enhance youth participation, establish a comprehensive service plan and enhance success

• Assist program staff in the development and implementation of client’s independent living plans through instructing, counseling and directing them in matters of personal conduct, hygiene, appearance, social skills, routines and work habits. Foster the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of each child and effectively assist clients in developing Independent Living Skills.

• Availability to work non-traditional hours, including weekend, evenings, and after hours to support specific programmatic schedules and crisis intervention needs. Maintain on-call responsibilities as scheduled. In addition be able to provide frequent transportation of children and families

• In addition to the duties outlined above candidates holding a professional licensure will be responsible for:

• Assess children and families and recommend additional treatment by collaborating with referral sources and community providers (i.e. Care Coordination, Psychiatric Care, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health, Health Homes, and Community Support).

• Complete initial intake and assessment with clients within 30 days of entering program

• Other duties as assigned

SKILL, QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE, ABILITY & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services related field with a minimum of 3 years experience providing supportive services to children/adolescents and their families required. MSW along with professional licensure preferred.

• Available to work non-traditional hours, including weekend, evenings, and after hours to support specific programmatic schedules and crisis intervention needs.

• Requires frequent transportation of children and families.

• Valid New York State Driver’s License and adequate auto insurance.

Special – Personal Skills, Qualities, Aptitudes and Physical Requirements

• Must be able to manage and communicate with a diverse caseload of clients from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds; should be in possession of excellent documentation skills, has the ability to work independently and also be an enthusiastic team player.

• Must demonstrate at all times high levels of professionalism and ethical behavior.

• An unwavering ability to demonstrate Gateway Longview’s mission and core values effectively with clients, families, staff, and community contacts from a variety of cultural and ethnic backgrounds is imperative.

We want to emphasize that the preferred qualifications are not required and that we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop these preferred skills. We strongly encourage those who are passionate about fostering a diverse, inclusive and equitable human service organization to apply.