Case Planner

The Case Planner provides direct support and intensive preventive case planning for children and families involved with Oneida County Department of Family and Community Services (OCDFCS), who may be at risk of being placed into foster care. This role utilizes a strength-based wraparound approach that involves assessing client/family needs, linking families to appropriate services, developing and monitoring individualized plans of care, and ensuring compliance with all OCDFCS, state, and federal regulations. The Case Planner acts as a liaison between families, OCDFCS, service providers, and the community, and promotes the safety, well-being, and stability of children and families. This role requires strong communication, organizational, and community engagement skills to help families achieve positive outcomes in alignment with agency philosophy and regulatory requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Support permanency planning efforts by working collaboratively with families, agency personnel and OCDFCS to prevent foster care placement, expedite safe reunification when placement occurs, and reduce the likelihood of re-entry into care. 
• Conduct outreach to engage referred clients and families, assisting them in understanding agency philosophy, policies, and services.
• Maintain a caseload of 10-15 families, providing strength-based, family-centered, and culturally competent care and quality service to each family. 
• Link clients and families to appropriate resources and services in a timely, coordinated manner. Maintain routine follow-up on linkages and referrals made. 
• Review, create, and update service plans in collaboration with families, supervisors, and OCDFCS; submit revisions for approval prior to implementation.  
• Schedules routine review meetings to update and discuss progress. 
• Schedule and facilitate monthly team meetings with families, service providers, and other relevant stakeholders. 
• Conduct at least 2 contacts per month (one home visit and one face-to-face contact) with each child/family on caseload. 
• Serve as a liaison between client/family, OCDFCS, agency personnel, and community service providers as needed. 
• Identify and utilize formal and informal community supports and networks to meet client/family needs.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation and comprehensive client files in accordance with OCDFCS, ICAN, state and federal regulations.
• Attend all required meetings, court appearances, and conduct face-to-face client contacts as required.
• Participate in agency in-services, workshops, and seminars as required.
• Report incidents promptly and engage in quality improvement initiatives as directed by the supervisor.
• Travel within the county to meet clients in their homes, schools, or other relevant settings.
• Trainings as necessary and scheduled.
• Additional duties may be assigned, on an as needed basis.

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field;
• Plus at least one year of experience working with youth and their families. 
• Experience working in child welfare setting preferred.
• A valid NYS Driver's License is required.