Lead Social Worker/Mental Health Counselor

The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie has been caring for children throughout the Hudson Valley for over 175 years! We strive to empower children and families to achieve optimal health and well being. We are currently seeking a Lead Social Worker/Mental Health Counselor to work in our Unaccompanied Children (UC) Program. 

$3,000 hiring bonus to be paid out incrementally over the course of 1 year. Subject to tax withholdings and appropriate 403b deductions, contributions and payroll deductions.

The Children's Home offers an outstanding benefit package which includes medical, vision, dental, life insurance, 403(b), tuition reimbursement, paid time off, and a great work environment! Paid time off includes 4 weeks of vacation, 3 personal days, 12 holidays and 9 sick days annually

Position Summary:
The Lead Clinician is responsible for the oversight of and the delivery of clinical services to UC in care, as well as oversight of the Clinical Team.  The Lead Clinician is responsible for all Clinical activities, and ensuring compliance with ORR policies and procedures. Which includes engaging UC to disclose locations of sponsors, contacting/locating sponsors, and facilitating the reunification process of UC-sponsor.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for the oversight of all clinical tasks, clinical documentation and conducting weekly supervision with all Clinicians.
2. Responsible for ensuring that case files are organized and are saved both electronically and in paper files.
3. Provides assistance for Clinicians working with the child and the child's family/sponsor.  This includes all individual sessions, group sessions and family sessions.
4. Contribute to treatment plan development as well as the completion of UC Portal documentation, maintenance of UC paper and electronic records, and responding to data requests.
5. Is sensitive to and supportive of the children’s cultural and ethnic heritage and values.
6. Review all assessments, Significant Incident Reports, and other documentation for accuracy of information prior to submission to any stakeholder, and Federal Field Specialist.
7. Ensure that Clinicians properly close all physical case files upon youth leaving the shelter.
8. Facilitates the timely provision of services and takes the lead on managing mental health crisis.
9. Assists in the development and review of Safety Plans and release recommendations
10. Consults with clinical team and serves as a liaison, psychologist and psychiatrist as needed
11. Serve as a point of contact for investigations of allegations of abuse and neglect that may occur in care.
12. Perform weekly audits on the program’s active case files (physical and on web-based system) to ensure compliance with CHP’s, State, and Federal guidelines.
13. Develop corrective action plans or disciplinary memos to address performance issues of case management staff in collaboration with Program Director.
14. Responsible for continued professional development through attendance at in-service seminars, participation in conferences and workshops and/or continued study at higher education institutions.
15. Attend all mandatory training as scheduled, including but not limited to New Hire Orientation, Sanctuary, TCI certifications and CPR/First Aid certifications and must complete 40 hours annually of O.R.R (Office of Refugee Resettlement) training.
16. Fulfills Mandated Reporter responsibilities according to NYS Justice Center and OCFS regulations.
17. Is familiar with and adheres to all agency policies and procedures as outlined in the  Employee Handbook.
18. Works as a collaborative member of the UC staff team.
19. Any other tasks as delegated by the Program Director.

MINIMUM Qualifications:

1. Masters in Social Work or other related behavioral science in which clinician experience is required.
2. 2 years of post graduate related social work experience OR Bachelor's degree with 5 years of clinical employment experience
3. Demonstrated excellence in supervision, management skills, and leadership qualities
4. New York State Driver’s License in good standing as determined by the Agency.

PREFERRED Qualifications:

1. Bilingual in English/Spanish is strongly preferred.
2. Masters in Behavioral Science, or Social Service Field
3. Clinical Licensure in New York State
4. 5 years employed in a clinical capacity employment
5. Supervisory experience

*The Children's Home of Poughkeepsie is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

*The Children's Home participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the form I-9.