Youth Development Specialist

Overview

Rising Ground 

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 25,000 individuals. We do this through 50 programs in 70 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity shows not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in downtown Brooklyn. 

Benefits

At Rising Ground, we encourage everyone to live a healthier life. When you enroll in health care benefits — medical, dental, and vision care, you and your family can take advantage of each plan’s preventive services, which will help everyone to stay well. Another way to remain healthy is to eat right and keep active. Ultimately, we all benefit when we make the right choices, whether through diet and exercise or health care services. You can also take advantage of other important benefits, including life and accident, disability benefits, the retirement savings plan, and the employee assistance program.

Responsibilities

Position Details:

Provide constructive services to children in foster care that improve their functioning. Connect parents to services that address family challenges and assist them with reuniting with their child.

Responsibilities:                                                                      

• Provide direct case planning services that access child safety, child wellbeing and facilitate permanency.
• Maintain mandated contacts: Caretaker (foster parent) /Child//-Parents/Siblings/Clinical and medical staff/School and other resources.
• Develop service plans and connect children and or parents to appropriate services that address their individual needs.
• Document progress notes and complete timely accurate reports, including FASP, PH reports and intra-agency reporting.
• Make home visits and collateral contacts to meet ACS and OCFS requirements.
• Attending Family Court hearings.
• Facilitate and actively participate in six-month Service Plan Reviews and Family Team Conferences.
• Establish a culturally appropriate network with other systems within the community.
• Other related duties as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 1 year knowledge of child welfare system experience preferred.
• Interest in working with adolescents ages 14 and older.
• Good verbal and written communication skills are essential.
• Computer proficient, knowledge of Connections
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.
• NYS Driver’s License preferred.

Salary Rate:

$50,000