Provides advocacy, case management and family support services to children and their families. Assists with entitlements, linkages, and collaborates and advocates with systems involved with the client. Works under general direction.

• Assists with obtaining and maintaining clients’ entitlements, including Medicaid, Public Assistance, SSI as well as assisting with problems related to housing or utilities.
• Interviews clients and significant others, when appropriate, in order to obtain personal histories and to understand the social and emotional factors related to the client’s mental health problems.
• Works with families to engage them in receiving services and assists in empowering them to take the steps necessary to maximize their quality of life
• Develops inventory of resources that will meet the clients’ needs as identified in the assessment process.
• Advocates for and assists clients in utilizing adjunctive community resources. Arranges transportation and accompanies clients to appropriate facilities/agencies, as necessary.
• Provides linkage, coordination with, referral to and follow-up with other service providers. Monitors appointments medical facilities, social service agencies or other providers of concrete services.
• Attends planning meetings with service providers to coordinate service plans.
• Initiates written (including clinical and progress notes) and verbal communications and ensure that all patient record keeping is in compliance with agency, state, city and federal requirements.
• Participates in agency and community programs and education, as requested.
• Participates in interdisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, staff meetings, quality assurance meetings, and supervision meetings as required.
• Participates in special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid New York State driver’s license required.

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree in social work, health and human services or a related field preferred.
• Two or more years of equivalent and relevant experience in a social service agency OR an equivalent combination of the education and experience preferred.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of one year of experience in a mental health or social service setting with emphasis on family support services and/or family psycho-education required.
• Bilingual skills may be required as determined by operational needs.