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 Behavioral Health Clinician to work in our Empower Program.

Position Summary:

The Behavioral Health Clinician is responsible for the delivery of clinical and casework services to families and children in care. The Behavioral Health Clinician is responsible for plan development and has primary coordination responsibility for all community, school and family activities. He/she provides direct counseling services to the child and family as determined by the team. The Behavioral Health Clinician represents the Agency at criminal and family court proceedings, school meetings, conferences with LDSS, and any other entity the Agency communicates with.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

1. Responsible for working with the child's family. This includes family contacts, phone calls and visits which are to be coordinated with child care according to team plans.

2. Provides weekly individual therapy to children on caseload, and group therapy as assigned.

3. Provides bi-weekly family therapy to children on caseload, as required by LDSS, Court Orders, and/or recommendation of the treatment team.

4. Responsible for completing safety plans for assigned caseload and conducting safety assessments as needed.

5. Responsible for maintaining an individual casework relationship with each child on his/her caseload.

6. Plans with the Assistant Executive Director for Child Welfare Programs and the Chief of Clinical Services for conferences and evaluations, and coordinates follow through on team recommendations.

7. Attends educational meetings within the school district including but not limited to CSE Meetings, Parent/Teacher Conferences, and any other school related meeting.

8. Completes Connections documentation within required timeframes including but not limited to progress notes, permanency hearing reports, and Family Assessment Service Plans (FASP).

9. Is responsible for the Uniform Case Record and related reports. Prepares summaries, maintains current program notes and ensures relevant information regarding visiting and other significant incidents incorporated into the case record.

10. Plans and coordinates the use of visiting families, volunteers and foster homes.

11. Participates in evaluating youth referrals and conducting intake interviews for youth.

12. In collaboration with the program Aftercare Worker, coordinates the discharge or transfer of each child and provides appropriate summaries in each case.

13. Responsible for continued professional development through attendance at inservice seminars, participation in conferences and workshops and/or continued study at higher education institutions.

14. Develops and executes permanency plans with families consistent with team service plans and LDSS/Court Mandates.

15. Monitors the completion of Court Orders for youth and families as needed, and ensures diligent efforts are completed throughout the case.

16. Maintains family contacts through home visits and agency visits, and provides in home and at the agency family counseling.

17. Attend all agency mandatory training as scheduled

18. Fulfill Mandated Reporter responsibilities according to NYS Justice Center and OCFS regulations.

19. Is familiar with and adheres to all agency policies and procedures as outlined in the Child Care Manual, Employee Handbook.

20. Accepts any other tasks as delegated by the Supervisor or as required by the program.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required:

• Is sensitive to and supportive of the children's cultural and ethnic heritage and values.

• Remains current regarding Children's Home policies and OCFS policies, to ensure program compliance.

• Clinical Practices and Ethics

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and other software

• Communicate effectively with families and youth

• Proficient in Connections computerized documentation system

Minimum Qualifications:

• MSW or MHC

• Valid NYS Driver License in good standing as determined by the Agency

• Must be available to travel for home visits.

• Must complete and pass a pre-employment physical, PPD and drug screen and an annual physical and PPD.

Preferred Qualifications:

• LMSW, LCSW or LMHC

• Related Social Work or Mental Health Counseling experience.

• Experience in working with trauma survivors.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

• Must complete and pass a pre employment physical, PPD and drug screen

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for an extended period of time

• Constantly operate a computer and other office equipment

• Able to safely operate an agency vehicle in accordance with NYS motor vehicle law

*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.