Social Worker (Victim Services)

Next Generation Center (1522 Southern Boulevard)

$62,400 - $65,000

Sign-On Bonus Eligible

Position Summary: The Next Generation Center (NGC) is a Children's Aid youth center located in the Bronx and serving disconnected youth, primarily youth involved in the foster care or juvenile justice systems, of ages 14 to 26. Our state-of-the-art center is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team of professionals committed to preparing and supporting young people as they transition to adulthood. NGC offers a full range of services which include: youth leadership and life skills training, a transitional employment program, educational guidance and tutoring, housing assistance, counseling, victim services and recreation. Youth are also able to receive information and referrals for other supportive resources focused on their needs. The Social Worker (Victim Services) role is funded by the New York State Office of Victim Services (OVS) and is meant to support crime victims and/or individuals who have been a witness to a crime. Services may include crisis counseling, therapy, case management, assistance in obtaining crime victim compensation funds, and court related support. NGC is seeking a full-time therapist to support this program.

Essential Duties:

• Understand and promote the organization's Mission, Vision, and Core Values to ensure alignment with organizational policies and procedures.
• Conduct outreach and engage in marketing activities at Children's Aid sites (community schools, preventive, etc.), partner organizations, and with the South Bronx and northern Manhattan communities.
• Accept and manage referrals.
• Conduct thorough assessments of crime victim needs. This can include but is not limited to: mental health assessments, case management needs and linkages to services.
• Provide crisis intervention and safety planning as needed.
• Participate in required trainings, including Motivational Interviewing, Safety & Risk, Trauma-Responsive and Resilience Informed Care, among others, to ensure effective service implementation.
• Assist participants in completing compensation claims and assist with obtaining any required documentation.
• Review law enforcement, medical provider, and other social service reports to evaluate relevant issues.
• Advocate on behalf of participants for benefits and services.
• Accompany participants to court, police stations, and other appointments as needed.
• Provide follow-up to ensure needs are met and address additional issues as they arise.
• Collaborate with clients on the development of treatment plans and goals.
• Maintain accurate and thorough records on each client as well as required OVS tracking forms.
• Collaborate with the OVS Case Manager on completion of quarterly and monthly OVS reports.
• Participate in weekly clinical supervision, weekly team meetings, staff meetings, and other duties required by the supervisor.
• Work collaboratively with NGC staff to provide engaging programming.
• Work collaboratively with program staff in the development of new protocols and practices.
• Ability to work a flexible work schedule; within the hours of operation of the Next Generation Center.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree in social work or equivalent degree in any NYS license-eligible Mental Health profession.
• License required; non-licensed candidates will be expected to obtain their license within 6 months of hire.
• 2+ years of experience working with persons in crisis, victims of crime, young men of color, and the LGBTQ community.

Key Competencies:

• Spanish Bilingual strongly preferred
• Knowledge of community resources and counseling practices with high-risk populations.
• Training/experience in Motivational Interviewing and trauma-informed care preferred.
• Ability to motivate others toward achieving goals.
• Case management experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and excellent documentation skills.
• Ability to use strength-based interventions.
• Ability to develop alliances with high-risk and difficult-to-engage youth.
• Excellent computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office.

It is the policy of Children's Aid to provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment and is dedicated to maintaining a work environment that is free from harassment and discrimination. Children's Aid will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, or retaliation on any basis, including race, creed, color, national origin, ethnicity, alienage or citizenship status, gender/sex (including pregnancy), disability, religion, source of income, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, familial status, caregiver status, military status, marital or partnership status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking, predisposing genetic characteristics, arrest or conviction record, credit history, unemployment status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. Children's Aid is committed to complying with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Children's Aid will conduct a prompt and thorough investigation of all allegations of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or any violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy in a confidential manner and will take appropriate corrective action, if and where warranted. Children's Aid prohibits retaliation against employees who provide information about, complain about, or assist in the investigation of any complaint of discrimination or violation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Policy.

The incumbent is expected to work a schedule, whether in-person or hybrid, as determined by the department's needs to facilitate effective collaboration with the team. This flexibility is essential for maintaining seamless communication, fostering teamwork, and ensuring the smooth operation of the department's processes. The position's requirements are subject to periodic review and adjustment based on organizational needs and changes in work dynamics.