IPS Case Manager

POSITION OVERVIEW:

 The IPS program seeks to prevent youth from committing delinquent or criminal conduct through family intervention and by providing site-based programming designed to equip youth with strategies that will foster critical thinking and positive choices. The Case Manager helps guide the IPS participant down a path that will effectuate these goals. 

The individual selected for this position will provide home-based services and develop resources and activities that may need to take into consideration Police Diversion, Informal Adjustment, or Youth Aid Panel mandates and any other program designed to prevent court involvement.   In some situations, the case manager will act as a liaison between the youth partner and his/her school, while encouraging caregivers to actively participate in the educational needs of youth. 

This position will require frequent communication with external and internal entities  including, but not limited to extensive contact with the Juvenile Justice System, Children Youth and Family Services/Department of Human Services, Family Court, Youth Aid Panels, etc.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

•  Support and monitor completion of goals as outlined in the Youth Support Plan.
• Support and monitor family service plan for completion of short/medium/long range plans, community service assignments, goal attainment, benchmarks, and resolve/referral needs.
• Partner with the IPS Counselor to assess referrals and do follow ups for each family, acquiring academic, employment, recreation, etc. information.
• Partner with the IPS Counselor to address the ongoing needs of the youth assigned your caseload.
• Assess youth academic progress in collaboration with the school and family.
• Monitor weekly site-based attendance.
• Assess linkages, resources to determine usage.
• Monitor youth participation and attendance in program and outside resources.
• Assess individual personal career development plan (PCDP) folder on each client.
• Maintain client case files and update database in accordance with funder standards and maintain accurate up-to-date daily records as required.
• Develop and enhance cooperative professional relationships with local community agencies.
• Identify areas requiring counseling.
• Participate in clinical team meetings, staff meetings and trainings, as instructed.
• Required to perform other duties as instructed by the IPS Director (including driving/transportation).
• Required attendance/participation in site base program/activities (daily).   

QUALIFICATIONS, KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS 

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in direct service case management work with children and/or families, demonstrating the ability to use non-punitive methods that place special emphasis upon strengths-based dynamics.
• Comfortable working with adolescent youth (ages 10 to 17).
• Demonstrates the ability to work with at-risk youth and their families.
• Experience and/or knowledgeable in Family Group Decision Making.
• Understand youth development principles and possessing good listening skills.
• Sensitive to racial, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Computer proficiency required.
• Ability to respond to crisis situations and understand that flexibility in work schedule will be necessary.
• Ability to input/submit required reports in database system and file in accordance with funding source and agency requirements.
• Familiarity with DHS Community Based Prevention Services (CBPS) database is a plus.
• Ability to adhere to confidentiality guidelines.
• Knowledge and understanding of Philadelphia's social service system.

EDUCATION & TRAINING REQUIREMENTS  

• A Bachelor degree in social work, human services or related field is preferred.
• Training certifications in areas of youth development, behavioral health, parenting issues, substance abuse, professional documentation etc. would be useful in this position. 
• Certification in First Aid/CPR is preferred.
• Completion of PA Certified Peer Specialist Training preferred.
• Ability to speak/write fluent Spanish extremely valuable for this position.
• Completion of a Criminal Background, Child line, and FBI Clearances.
• Valid Driver’s license. 
• Follow all company policies related to the Fleet Manager/Drivers Standard Operating Procedures.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS & CONDITIONS [PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS]: 

• Working conditions are in a variety of settings, involves the potential for high stress levels and exposure to difficult situations. 
• Some non-standard work hours will be required.
• Must work with a vulnerable and overwhelmed population often identified as having few resources and challenging. However, they possess unrecognized abilities that must be exposed to fully incorporate strengths-based services.