IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU HAVE TAKEN AND PASSED THE OPEN COMPETITIVE EXAM#2023/3004 FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE TITLE LISTED ABOVE TO AVOID BEING “BUMPED” OUT OF YOUR POSITION WHEN THE ELIGIBLE LIST FOR THIS TITLE IS ESTABLISHED. PERMANENT CHILD AND FAMILY SPECIALISTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of New York City’s children and families by providing child welfare, juvenile justice, and early care services. In child welfare, ACS contracts with private nonprofit organizations to support and stabilize families at risk of a crisis through preventive services and provides foster care services for children not able to safely remain at home. Each year, the agency’s Division of Child Protection conducts more than 55,000 investigations of suspected child abuse or neglect. In juvenile justice, ACS manages and funds services including detention and placement, intensive community-based alternatives for youth, and support services for families. In early care, ACS coordinates and funds programs and vouchers for close to 100,000 children eligible for subsidized care.
The Family Assessment Program (FAP) is a part of the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) Division of Youth and Family Justice (DYFJ). FAP has an office is each borough, located in or near the Family Court. FAP conducts screenings and assessments of families requesting Person in Need of Supervision (PINS) petitions and related services in Family Court. The overarching goal of FAP is to engage families in appropriate services to preserve the family unit, divert them from Family Court and prevent the filing of PINS petitions and foster care placements. FAP refers youth and families for on-going services through various programs, community-based services, home-based crisis intervention and evidence-based therapeutic interventions.
Under general supervision, with wide latitude for independent action and decision, the Family Assessment Specialist will assess the at-risk youth and family. Specific duties will include:
• Conduct a service-oriented assessment with families to provide an immediate evaluation of the circumstances and determine appropriate services for the family and assist the family in developing a course of action.
• Facilitate the initial interview with families in order to bring clinical experience and knowledge to the process, with the goals of promoting a reduction in the number of court level cases and assisting families in making the best available decision regarding appropriate services.
• Hold conferences with families, both in the office and other locations, which may include other support and service providers in order to develop the most appropriate service plan.
• Confer with and make referrals to service providers as appropriate.
• Develop written reports for judges and attorneys and give oral presentation to the court on the appropriateness of the service plan.
• Assist families in developing realistic expectations of the PINS diversion process by offering in-depth information regarding the continuum of service interventions, Family Court and placement.
• Ensure all safety and risk concerns are fully identified and addressed.
• Report any signs of neglect and/or abuse to the Borough Director and the State Central Register.
• Consistently apply and uphold state and city law, regulation and policy related to delivery of child welfare services.
• Report regularly to the Borough Director concerning the progress of each child/family on assigned caseload and make recommendations to the Borough Director concerning planning.
• Complete administrative functions, including timely documentation and data entry.
• Complete a written assessment of the families’ strengths, needs and service referral.
• Work with the youth, the family, the service provider and other stakeholders to continually ensure that services meet the needs of the youth and families.
• Collaborate and strengthen partnerships with a variety of community representatives and stakeholders to promote knowledge of FAP and encourage referrals to FAP.
Minimum Qual Requirements
A Masters Degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work and
1. A valid New York State Registration as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and at least one year of full-time, satisfactory, post-graduate experience that includes substantial experience in one or more of the following modalities of practice: facilitation of family team conferences or family group decision-making meetings utilizing a conferencing model which emphasizes family engagement and consensus based decision-making; clinical group work with children, youth, parents or individual families; or the conduct of professional training on topics related to child and family services; or
2. A valid New York State Registration as a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) and at least three years of the experience required in “1” above. Up to two years of this experience may have been in the supervision of social work practice areas described in “1” above; or
3. At least three years of the experience required in “1” above. A valid New York State Registration as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Master of Social Work license (LMSW) must be obtained within one year of appointment.
Note: Employees who fail to obtain their LCSW or LMSW within one year after appointment may have their probationary periods extended for no more than six months. Failure to obtain the LCSW or LMSW by the end of the probationary period will result in dismissal.
Note: At least one year of the required experience described in “1”, “2” and “3” above must have been obtained in the last five years.
Additional Information
Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an authorized agency to inquire whether a candidate for employment with child-caring responsibilities has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report.
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at StudentAid.gov/PSLF
To Apply
APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY USING ONE OF THE OPTIONS BELOW:
For current city employees, go to Employee Self Service (ESS), Recruiting Activities, Careers and search for Job ID# 539414.
For all other applicants go to www.nyc.gov/careers and search for Job ID# 539414. Click on the “Apply” button.
If you do not have access to a computer, most public libraries have computers available for use.
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
55-a Program
This position is also open to qualified persons with a disability who are eligible for the 55-a Program. Please indicate at the top of your resume and cover letter that you would like to be considered for the position through the 55-a Program.
Work Location
Please Note: Candidates may be assigned to any of the facilities listed below:
260 East 161st St. Bronx, NY
345 Adams St. Brooklyn, NY
Residency Requirement
New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.
POSTING DATE
08/04/2023
POST UNTIL
09/03/2023
The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual’s sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.