JOB DESCRIPTION READY CASEWORKER

TITLE: READY Case Worker

The primary role of the READY Caseworker is to engage eligible youth and their families in prevention and intervention strategies to reduce their substance use, reduce delinquency as measured by re-arrests, improve school performance and attendance, increase job readiness and employment, and develop collaborative working relationships between community agencies and social supports by delivering enhanced case management services. Program services include but are not limited to: increased support around education and employment, enhanced family services, expanded network of social support, out of school activities, one to one mentoring, customized behavioral incentives, and advocacy within DYS regarding the correlation between substance use and delinquent behavior. The READY Caseworker is to report directly to the Contract Manager for policies and employment expectations as well as meeting DYS Contract expectations. The READY Caseworker will be primarily sited at a District Office and will also be responsible for working with the DYS Caseworker, clients, and the local communities associated with the office.

JOB FUNCTIONS:

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

Meet with DYS caseworkers to identify and discuss READY eligible clients

• Perform intake interviews and needs assessment

• Assist with the development of the client’s Individual Service Plan (ISP)

• Design and implement individualized youth development strategies to ensure that prescribed support services for substance use are provided to clients in a logical, timely, and effective manner

• Identify resources and establish a referral system within and among community agencies designed to support youth and families with substance use needs

• Make appropriate referrals for services pertaining to reducing the youth’s substance use behavior as determined in the needs assessment and ongoing involvement with the youth

• Maintain proper, complete, and timely documentation of all meetings, releases, referrals, previous and current services provided, progress notes, assessments, and other paperwork

• When necessary, transport clients in a safe manner

• Provide client advocacy within the systems the youth is engaged in regarding impact of substance use

• Coordinate recreational activities for clients as it pertains to reducing substance use

• Develop and maintain mutually respectful, long-term relationships with clients and their families

• Participate in weekly team meetings to discuss progress toward goals and to modify ISPs as needed

• Maintain all required documentation such as previous and current services provided, progress notes, referrals, assessment and follow up for review

• Prepare and submit monthly and quarterly statistics, narrative, and activity reports

• Assist with conducting community outreach by planning and executing social and educational events and outings in conjunction with Family Engagement Specialist and Caseworker

• Meet at least weekly with youth at home or in the community

• Maintain weekly contact with the youth’s parent or guardian wherever possible

• Attend weekly Community Supervision/Casework Team meetings at the District Office to identify client service needs from individual service plans and relapse prevention plans. This may involve directly providing or arranging for trainings and briefings to team members on various areas of benefits and service programs

• Act as a resource to DYS Caseworkers providing staff with information, contacts, etc. regarding resources available both in the local community and at the state level. DYS Caseworkers will ensure that appropriate services to support the client’s individualized service plan are delivered to clients.

• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

SUPERVISION OF PERSONNEL:

• Monthly administrative supervision with agency contract manager

• FISCAL RESPONSIBILITIES:• Adhere to all fiscal policies and procedures such as petty cash, purchase orders, vouchers, and employee expense.

• Responsible for receipts, requests, and distribution of funds.

• FACILITY/HOUSEKEEPING RESPONSIBILITIES:• Maintain upkeep and cleanliness and ensure security of the assigned site (i.e. District office).

• Maintain daily upkeep and cleanliness of respective office area.

• Maintain program equipment (i.e. cell phones, computers, recreational equipment, etc.)

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of two years of experience directly relevant to the position responsibilities described above, preferably in the juvenile justice, child welfare, behavioral health/substance use or demonstrably related field(s).

• Ability to drive car up to 8 hours per day and a valid driver’s license and eligible driving record.

• Ability to communicate effectively with clients, families, and collateral resources in person and by phone.

• Daily attendance and scheduling flexibility to include working nights and weekends.

• Ability to facilitate a variety of groups.

• Ability to use a computer and good organizational skills.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $58,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Tuition reimbursement

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Social Work: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person