Rising Ground Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 30,000 individuals. We do this through 138 programs in 101 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity shows not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve.

The Case Planner provides comprehensive case management services for all youth who reside in their respective Site i.e. Non-Secure Placement or Limited-Secure Placement facility and their families. The Case Planner should be committed to a service philosophy and objectives that is youth-centered and outcome focused. The position is demanding and highly interactive with the youth and their families, staff and community. Case Planners must be comfortable working with youth and families in the context of the facility, the office and in the community of origin. The Case Planner will maintain a caseload of 15 youth both in the facility and in the community on aftercare. The role of the Case Planner is to streamline services and service plan goals, guide the discharge readiness planning beginning once youth are placed, and follow through with the youth/family in the application of the service plan in the community.

Case management responsibilities include all necessary tasks to complete case file reviews, case planning, family engagement, and group service delivery. Case Planner is responsible for developing and maintaining meaningful contact with youth, their families, and service providers for medical, mental health, social, educational, and other related service needs. Additionally, Case Planner will work with interdisciplinary team to lead discharge planning and ensure coordination of service delivery throughout the youth’s commitment in the program. The aim in programming is to create a nurturing, supportive environment which redirects the youth to make positive life changes. This will be achieved by promoting interventions and rehabilitative approaches that are evidence based/informed and therapeutic. The goal is to reconnect youth with family and community while enhancing public safety.

• ·Responsible for development of a comprehensive service plan for each youth and the youth’s family or other adult resource. The service plan will be completed in collaboration with the team members, PPS workers and with the youth and his/her adult resources in the Family Team Conference.
• Work with the case planning team (Education Specialist, and Support staff), the youth, the family and PPS and any other service provider to develop a discharge plan as part of the service plan.
• Schedule family visits within 24 hours of admission to the agency and ensure all parties are aware of any scheduled visits.
• Collaborate with the Program Directors to Supervise family visits/phone calls including interaction between youth and family as needed.
• Engage the family members throughout the assessment process and complete FASPs, SPRs, Plan Amendments, court reports and other case related assessments as scheduled.
• Responsible for meeting required ACS completion dates for accurate progress notes, FASPs, visits, court reports and any other documentation required.
• Document all progress notes in Connections within 5 calendar days.
• Implements creative strategies for involving family members in the service planning process.
• Monthly home visits to engage and assess the family in collaboration with ACS. In addition, complete initial and discharge home assessments.
• Works collaboratively with interdisciplinary team and other program/division/support staff. Maintain efficacious working relationships with staff involved in the service planning and provision process: Youth Specialists, Mental Health Therapist, Educational Personnel, Court and Legal Representatives, Medical Personnel, etc.
• Attend court hearings and prepare reports as required to be submitted before and at the hearing.
• Primarily responsible for the development, documentation, and maintenance of all case records within your caseload.
• Provide necessary referrals for families in need of housing, health, mental health, preventive services or other community-based services.
• Support the principles of all Evidence Based Models with the objective of teaching youth to make positive, lasting changes in their behavior.
• Lobby and advocate energetically for the appropriate educational placement for each youth.
• Network with other agencies to stay informed about services.
• Work closely with Quality Improvement to ensure CQI (continuous quality improvement) of services rendered.
• Attends all court hearings as a liaison and makes recommendations in court.
• Maintains knowledge of the juvenile justice system and issues affecting youth.
• Supports, and participates in, the group interaction process.
• Has flexibility to work some weekend and evening hours based on the needs of youth and families.
• Understands the YLS (Youth Level of Service) Risk, Needs & Responsivity framework and can identify criminogenic need and responsivity factors.
• Participate in all required meetings including but not limited to treatment team meetings, staff team meetings, administrative team meetings, family team conferences, supervisions,recreational and family engagement activities (i.e. Community Team Conferences, Family Night, Release Ceremonies, etc).
• Collaborate biweekly with the Placement & Permanency Specialist (PPS) about the youth’s adjustment and progress in program and while on aftercare, including any high risk/safety concerns.
• Participate in all agency, ACS/CTH and program training and supervision.
• Model reliable, supportive and positive relationships to help youth navigate challenges and achieve their goals.
• Model professionalism and respectful behavior in both the community and in facility.
• Advocate for youth and families with external stakeholders
• Collaborate with Credible Messenger, Therapist and or Fair Futures team to continue to provide case management services to youth on aftercare.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field required.
• Valid NYS driver's license.
• Strong knowledge of ACS mandates
• Prior experience working NSD or NSP population, a plus.
• 2+ years’ experience in Case Management for Child Welfare.
• Advanced knowledge of Connections (CNNX) required
• Strong writing skills, including competency with progress note completion
• Familiar with family court procedures.
• Must be able to pass the Safe Crisis Management (SCM) training.

Annual Salary Range: $55,000 - $70,000

Work Environment: The Case Planner will be based out of an NSP or LSP facility and be solely responsible for youth in families from that facility. In addition to community field work hours for home passes and home visits.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a full-time 35 hour per week position. Daily schedule and hours will fluctuate to meet the needs of the program. The Case Planner will be responsible for maintaining their own schedule appropriate to the needs of the program and youth served, which include day, evening and occasional weekend hours. This a on call as needed position

Travel (if required): NSP and LSP youth/families reside in NYC and surrounding areas. The Case Planner will be required to travel, navigate NYC/surrounding neighborhood roads/public transportation system and complete casework contacts in families’ homes, facilities, court, schools, and other service providers. The Case Planner is also required to drive, transport youth with other staff members and escort family members.