Family Spec - homemaker And Support Partner

Family Specialist/Homemaker And Support Partner

The Family Specialist/Homemaker and Support Partner will provide needed care coordination, outreach, support, advocacy, information and referral to New Ground families. The Family Specialist/Homemaker and Support Partner will also be expected to participate in the prerequisite in-service training to develop proficiency in certain New Ground evidence-based models and curriculums. Under the general supervision of the Program Director/Social Work Supervisor/Associate Director or designee, functions as part of an interdisciplinary team assisting individuals and their children in developing and maintaining viable living, working, parenting, and social situations in the community by obtaining needed medical, social, psychosocial, educational, financial, vocational and other services. Participates in the provision of crisis intervention services to participants and their children. Travels to consumers' residences or apartments to aid the consumers and to assist them, within their capabilities and interests, in maintaining the greatest degree of independent living. The majority of duties are often performed independently under general supervision.

Essential Job Functions:

1. Care coordination for eligible families based upon program criteria.
2. Prepare administrative reports from program database and related activities.
3. Develop, implement and lead parent/family support groups and activities.
4. Provide information to families and residents about mental health and referrals to community agencies, as well as other natural supports and community activities.
5. Provide support to parents in accessing services (schools, hospitals, child welfare, mental health agencies, entitlements, etc.) and advocating as needed.
6. Ensure that parents receive accompaniment and support in meetings with the NYC Board of Education and other child-serving agencies.
7. Facilitate advocacy training for parents to help them assist their children.
8. Collaborate with ICL clinicians and other providers and related systems that serve children and families.
9. Represent ICL at relevant government, community stakeholder, and provider meetings, as required for purposes of outreach and advocacy.
10. Maintain documentation that is in compliance with all governmental and agency standards and procedures.
11. May be a member of an agency or division committee(s).
12. Immediately reports serious incidents, serious incident allegations, incidents, or sensitive situations to supervisors. Completes incident reports in accordance with Institute for Community Living policy.
13. Explains the types of services, recreational activities and other programs available to consumers and residents, instructs the consumer or resident in daily living skills, socialization skill enhancement and conflict resolution.
14. Executes emergency plans as outlined in the policy and procedure manual under the direction of the assigned supervisor and adheres to program policy on securing the safety and wellbeing of consumers/residents, staff and visitors requiring emergency medical care.
15. Assists and instructs individuals in attending to personal hygiene, grooming, nutrition and daily living; ensures that sufficient and appropriate attire is available. This includes hands-on assistance with daily living skills, including but not limited to hygiene, and upkeep of physical space and living environment (including bed-bug prevention and treatment), laundry, shopping, meal planning and preparation, cooking, housekeeping, and traveling.
16. Accompanies consumers or residents on regularly scheduled or emergency visits to medical treatment facilities, social agencies, social activities, government offices, or other locations associated with the treatment or assistance of the consumer or resident.
17. Expected to attend regular scheduled team, and staff meetings and supervision.
18. Complies with all required in-service training, and staff development activities.
19. Assists the clinical staff in accounting for residents/consumers. May assist in the filing of missing person reports on residents/consumers not accounted for in accordance with Institute for Community Living policy and procedure.
20. Observe individuals' behavior and specific responses to treatment and rehabilitation programs, support services and medication and reports observations orally and/or in writing, including computer entries, as instructed and in accordance with applicable audit standards.
21. May lead skills development or activity groups with individuals and families as appropriate.
22. Other Job-related duties that may be assigned.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Committed to the active promotion of ICL values and goals.
• Ability to work with consumers, families, and staff in a caring and respectful manner, and with due understanding of and consideration for cultural difference.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with staff, consumers, families and the public.
• Ability to prepare accurate and timely documentation, reports and other written material as assigned.
• Ability to secure the cooperation and work effectively with others.
• Ability to work independently and to conform to all safety and accountability measures.
• Ability to manage resources, which includes money, material, time, and people.
• Serves as a role model to staff and consumers.
• Ability to plan, organize, delegate, coordinate, oversee and monitor information, tasks and

Qualifications and Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent. Three years' minimum experience as a primary caregiver of a child with or at-risk for emotional, behavioral, or mental health challenges and obtaining mental health, educational and related services or entitlements for such a child plus three years' experience as a Family Advocate or an equivalent position. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Knowledge of a second language preferred. Knowledge of a range of local resources, procedures and tactics required to meet the needs of children and families is essential.