Dss Bronx Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Juvenile Justice Initiative MST-Psychiatric Program, with SCO Family of Services, consists of a small team of mental health professionals. The MST-Psych team provides mental health treatment as well as family therapy to families and youth living in the Bronx and Manhattan.  Our mission is focused on helping young people and their families gain the necessary tools and skills to reduce hospitalizations and further court involvement while strengthening the family system.  Youth referred to the program range from 9 to 17 years old, have moderate to serious mental health challenges, and live in the Bronx.

Seeking an individual with mental health training and casework experience to function as the crisis case worker for youths with serious behavioral and emotional problems. This is a field-based position, with most of the day spent in the field meeting with families, schools, hospitals, probation, DSS and other stakeholders residing in the Bronx. The Crisis Caseworker must be available to provide periodic on-call 24-hour support and weekend coverage. The caseload for the team is typically 15-20 families at any given time.

The MST crisis worker provides treatment plan support, resource support and crisis case management for the JJI youths, siblings and caregivers.  Services are provided in a home and community-based setting. Hours are based on client’s need, meetings and require occasional evening availability. Field work comprises most of the therapist’s time, but additional administrative requirements and supervision are an equally important component of the position.

Must have NYS driver’s license, feel comfortable taking NYC public transportation and must be able to drive agency vehicle.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Perform safety checks in the direction of the supervisor or therapist, respond to emergencies, and implement crisis plans.
• Meet with families in their homes to complete intake assessments and post-treatment assessments. MST families reside in the Bronx and Manhattan
• Provide in-person or telephone crisis support to the MST-Psych families.
• Attend DSS, hospital, probation and court meetings as needed.
• Escort families to their appointments. Provide follow-up to ensure compliance.
• Assist therapists in gathering information about resources, making appointments and building community relationships with outpatient clinics and other mental health providers.

• Maintain clear and concise documentation of treatment efforts that promote peer and supervisory review and feedback. Documentation submitted weekly to therapists and team and uploaded into our electronic health records (EHR).

• Participate in all MST-Psychiatric training, supervision and consultation activities.
• Build a relationship with community stakeholders (i.e., child protection services, Guardians ad Litem, judges, schools, etc.) to ensure cooperation among service providers.
• Assist clients in practical needs such as housing, budgeting, job attainment, and prosocial recreational activities.
• Assist in MST TAM-R collection by connecting families with the interviewer.
• Work non-traditional hours, outside of the standard 9-5. Sessions and meetings may take place in the morning or evenings.
• Be available to clinicians and engage in activities to support clinicians in their work with families. Interested persons may locate information about this treatment model on the internet at www.mstservices.com.
• Bilingual a plus.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Case work experience with families in a community-based setting.
• Work with hospitals, schools and court systems.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Management of suicidal or homicidal threats and family safety risks.

• Knowledge and experience in the Juvenile Justice System and DSS are a plus as well as experience in a preventive ACS program desired.

• Knowledge of behavioral therapies theory and application.
• Knowledge of child and adolescent mental health
• A working understanding of the culture and strengths of the families within the MST-Psychiatric population.
• Resources available in the community and the ability to connect families to those resources.
• Ability to locate and access housing for clients.
• Ability to work with families to develop a safety plan.

• Acceptable clearance checks for State Central Register, Driver license and fingerprinting as required by the program.
• Valid NYS driver’s license.

EDUCATION: 

• Associate’s degree or Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work or related field.