The Case Manager I will be responsible for providing parents/caregivers with structured, one-to-one family support and training services that are aimed at addressing the needs of the identified youth client. The Case Manager I is responsible for supporting the other providers working with the youth and their family by assisting in treatment plan development, service coordination, resource development, as well as provide education, support, coaching, training and advocacy. The Case Manager I should attend to risk issues, documentation of care, timeliness of documentation, professionalism, and administrative issues related to providing services that are aligned with best practices for their service area.

The Case Manager I - Parent Partner is responsible for supporting the caregiver by improving the capacity of the parent/caregiver to parent the youth so as to improve functioning in the community or to assist the youth in returning to the community. The family partner will provide education, assistance in navigating the child serving systems (DCF, education, mental health, juvenile justice, etc.); fostering empowerment, including linkages to peer/parent support and self-help groups; assistance in identifying formal and community resources (e.g., after-school programs, food assistance, summer camps, etc.) natural supports, coaching, and training for the parent/caregiver.

Provide the highest-quality care to clients in keeping with best-practice, agency standards, and the directives of the position. Practice within the ethical guidelines; maintain privacy and HIPAA standards.

Compose oneself with professionalism, ethical practice, and compassionate regard for clients/clients. To this end, the case worker should demonstrate.

competency, reliability, honesty, integrity, respectfulness, continued learning, positivity, mutual support, effective collaboration, active listening, and attention to the responsibilities of the job. The case worker should dress neatly, professionally, and appropriately to the situation.

The Parent Partner should communicate orally with etiquette, honesty, respectfulness and composure; written communication should demonstrate professional writing skills and be in keeping with the policies and procedures of the agency.

Document all services in the required data entry system (e.g. agency Electronic Health Record), in keeping with established timeframes, best practices, and through required forms/documents. Respond to Quality Management and Utilization Review protocols and alerts.

Ensure that any issues or concerns related to risk (client risk, staff risk, facility risk, and/or programmatic risk) or ethical misconduct are immediately brought to a supervisor, director or other licensed senior staff member.

Provide services such that the following values are embedded in practice:

Promote client-centered care that adheres to best practice standards and recognizes client voice and client choice.

Recognize the multiple perspectives of clients and their caregiving system.

Be cognizant of issues of inclusion, equity and diversity of people that might otherwise be marginalized or oppressed.

Utilize active and reflective listening as well as the exchange of feedback,

Orient oneself in a strengths-based approach,

Develop an understanding of the impact of trauma and substance abuse,

Provide positive regard, empathy, curiosity, respect, and professionalism,

Establish and maintain clear expectations and boundaries, and

Remain cognizant of and proactive about any issues of safety / risk.

Attend and participate in a variety of meetings and training including but not limited to supervision, group supervision, program team meetings, trainings, and other staff meetings as determined.

Engage in ongoing learning and development of skills and professional growth through training, supervision, and ongoing delivery of services. The practice of professional development should also include self-reflection and self-care.

Respond accordingly to the administrative and/or financial systems related to services including referral, office administrative, billing, and supervisor.

The Parent Partner may represent the agency at community events or committees, as appropriate.

Work in an integrative, collaborative, and supportive fashion with colleagues, supervisors, directors, and other personnel within the agency. Participate as an effective, productive, respectful member of the YOU, Inc. work force.

As needed, assist Supervisor (or the Director and/or Assistant Director of BH services) with any data and/or information related to quality and compliance, productivity, and/or other administrative services.

May provide case presentations or consultations, within the scope of knowledge.

Completes other duties as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

Be present and available for parents at court and at meetings (which may include the Initial Staffing, treatment meetings and school meetings). Encourage open communication and sharing of concerns with appropriate program staff. May provide transportation to parents to support attendance at meetings.

Meet with families of newly committed youth to promote an early understanding of the process and to assist families with feeling like they are not alone.

Be available for parents for emotional support, program guidance, assistance in obtaining services and other questions or concerns that might arise. Be an empathic and focused listener.

Participate in presentations about DYS Parent Partners for both internal and external stakeholders.

Assist parents in rebuilding trust in themselves, their child, and DYS.

Assist families in ensuring their voices are heard throughout their child’s commitment.

Inspire hope through personal experience and strategic sharing.

Participate in ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Communicate and collaborate with casework teams in ongoing skill building related to effectively engaging families, providing feedback regarding their own observations in examining the family and act as a support in building the relationship between the DYS caseworker and the family.

Identify and help facilitate referrals to needed services for parents and to assist families in the identification of and connection to community-based resources. Forge relationships with other family serving agencies in the local area to further expand the network of community connections families can access during and following their child’s DYS involvement (e.g., Family Resource Centers).

Support families to prepare for a youth’s release from residential placement; participate in the 90-60-30-day DYS discharge planning process for youth at the request of the family or at the recommendation of DYS.

In conjunction with the CTT clinicians and with support from the DYS Director of Community Services and Community Clinical Coordinator, lead a regional Family Advisory Council.

Works with the Youth Services Coordinators to create and disseminate a District Office Newsletter.

Identifies and supports the reduction of barriers to family participation throughout the DYS continuum (e.g., day care, transportation, etc.).

Leads or assists in the implementation and/or facilitation of family-focused initiatives in the region as requested by DYS. Examples of such initiatives include youth and family satisfaction surveys, Parent Café, DYS commitment informational parent groups, Parent Time, Parenting Journey, family support groups and the incorporation of “parent voice” (as individual contributors and/or within advisory groups).

Enters data into the DYS Juvenile Justice Enterprise Management System (JJEMS) regarding contact with youth and families.

It is preferred that the Parent Partner(s) have a child or relative who has aged-out of DYS. Prior court-related involvement with the MA Department of Children and Families or the juvenile justice system may also be considered.
Education – High School Diploma or equivalency
The Depart

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform sedentary aspects of position, including, but not limited to desk and computer work, typing, driving to meetings and trainings, as well as driving/transporting clients as necessary.

Must also be able to perform therapeutic activities with children and families.

Must be able to perform the duties listed above, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Employees may be required to intervene in order to de-escalate and/or provide safety of clients using techniques as trained and approved by YOU, Inc, and appropriate to community and home-based settings.

ment further expects that the selected individual will have the necessary companion skills and capabilities, including but not limited to an ability to use a computer, a valid driver’s license, and vehicle to carry out the demands of this position.