Behavior Modification Assistant Jobs in East Rutherford, NJ

LOCATION: Brooklyn & Queens, NY
REPORTS TO: Program Director EFFC
DEPARTMENT: Enhanced Family Foster Care (EFFC)
SCHEDULE: Full-Time / Hybrid

$1,000 Hiring Incentive

AGENCY BACKGROUND:
MercyFirst is a not-for-profit human and social service agency that has been serving children and families in need since we were founded by the Sisters of Mercy/Hermanas de las Misericordia in 1894. Today our agency continues to address the emotional and physical needs of children and families in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and across Long Island through innovative treatments and life-changing interventions. We provide community-based prevention and family foster care services, group homes in the community for struggling children and families within the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and short-term residential services for unaccompanied migrant children. Each year, MercyFirst serves more than 3,000 children, teenagers and families overcome enormous obstacles, re-imagine their futures, and develop their full potential.

PROGRAM BACKGROUND:

To meet the needs of New York City's ever-changing foster care population, Enhanced Family Foster Care (EFFC) combines and replaces the previous separately contracted Family Foster Care (FFC) and Treatment Family Foster Care (TFFC) programs.  EFFC recognizes that all children in care have experienced some level of trauma, that their needs may change over time, and that their strengths must be supported so they can reach their full potential.
 

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Socio-Therapist Supervisor will provide direct supervision to the Socio-Therapists working with the casework teams to assure that assessment, development of behavioral modification plans, and support to children in foster care are provided with a commitment to collaboration, compassion, and competency.

The Socio-Therapist Supervisor works with the socio-therapists to help develop individualized behavioral plans that address behavioral challenges presented by the children on their caseload.  They will oversee the socio-therapist's delivery of one-to-one behavioral intervention methods and services designed to strengthen the child's ability to function successfully in home, school and community settings.  The Socio-Therapist Supervisor will maintain clear lines of communication and collaboration with the case planning unit supervisors as Socio-Therapists will be assigned to cases within a specific case planning unit to work as part of the team to promote safety, support, assessment and achievement of behavioral modification/treatment goals. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Licensed Master's Degree in Social Work
• 2+ years of related work experience as a supervisor in child welfare
• 2+ years of foster care work experience
• Knowledge of and/or training in child development stages
• Knowledge of and/or training in family dynamics
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook
• Ability to engage with clients
• A valid driver's license is strongly preferred
• Understanding and willingness to commit to the agency's Mission, core values, Sanctuary Commitments and social justice.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Hire, train, supervise and evaluate all assigned staff.
• Make ongoing assessments for safety, permanency and well-being on all cases
• Match and assign cases to socio-therapists
• Coordinate monthly staff meetings with socio-therapists and casework staff
• Participate in FTC meetings, Treatment Team meetings and monthly PQI meetings
• Review clinical and supportive documentation to assist socio-therapists in developing realistic treatment goals and behavior modification plans for the children on their caseloads
• Monitor progress of treatment plans and behavior modification plans
• Provide ongoing supervision to socio-therapists and document monthly supervisory progress note in connections
• Ensure assigned staff conduct Field Visits to client's homes, schools, treatment centers, etc
• Ensure weekly contacts between socio-therapist and child are occurring (In foster home, school, community, etc)
• Ensure the required/recommended services for each child on assigned caseload are in place (medical, developmental, clinical, and educational) and monitor the outcomes and progress.
• Ensure required documentation for all contacts are documented in connections within established timeframes.
• Attend ACS and agency staff meetings and trainings. Mentoring new staff; providing opportunities for shadowing and assistance with required paperwork.
• Respond to emergencies as needed and/or directed
• Maintain program statistics and prepare reports.
• Represent program at relevant community and professional organizations

BENEFITS/PERKS:

• A comprehensive health insurance package including medical, dental and vision plans for you and your family
• 403B retirement benefits
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• Generous paid time off (vacation, personal, sick, 12 paid holidays)
• Free employee assistance program through National EAP
• Insurance discounts for our staff and their families
• Trainings to support professional and personal development
• Employee wellness program
• Employee recognition activities
   

Salary Range:
$70,000.00 - $75,000.00 (35 hours/week)

Hiring Incentive - $1,000 after 500 worked hours.

MercyFirst is an inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization and an Equal Opportunity Employer who welcomes prospective employees from diverse backgrounds for all levels at the agency. We strive for a workforce that is reflective of the communities we serve, and do not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, religion or creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, age (18 and over), military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, marital status, partnership status, care giver status, pregnancy, genetic information or predisposition or genetic characteristic, unemployment status, status as a victim or witness of domestic violence, sex offenses or stalking, consumer credit history, or any other status protected by federal, state, and/or city law. This includes, but is not limited to, employment actions against and treatment of employees and applicants for employment