Tri-County Casework Coordinator in Watertown, New York at Childrens Home of Jefferson

Summary/Objective:

As a CHJC employee, the Tri-County Casework Coordinator is committed to creating opportunities to enhance lives one relationship at a time. This role provides oversight and supervision of case planning staff across Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence Counties, and surrounding counties, ensuring consistency in service delivery, regulatory compliance, and quality practice across the region. The Casework Coordinator balances direct program support with staff supervision, promoting a trauma-informed, person-centered, and outcomes-driven foster care program that prioritizes safety, permanency, and well-being.

Essential Functions:

1. Supervises foster care case planners across a tri-county service area (Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties).

2. Participates in recruitment, interviewing, and onboarding of Case Planners.

3. Provides ongoing individual and group supervision, field observation, coaching, and professional development.

4. Monitors staff schedules, caseload distribution, and workload balance across counties.

5. Ensures compliance with OCFS, DSS, and agency requirements, including documentation standards and service timelines.

6. Reviews and approves documentation to ensure quality, accuracy, and regulatory compliance.

7. Utilizes data reports in partnership with Compliance to monitor performance, identify trends, and address variances.

8. Supports development, implementation, and monitoring of service plans for youth and families.

9. Plans and participates in supervision, treatment team meetings, and interagency meetings.

10. Maintains communication with Program Manager regarding urgent issues, risks, or performance concerns.

11. Collaborates with community partners, systems, and stakeholders to support coordinated care.

12. Maintains current knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and best practices in child welfare.

13. Assists with foster care and program-related training initiatives as needed.

14. Participates in on-call rotation in accordance with program needs.

15. Provides coverage and operational support in the absence of the Program Manager, as appropriate.

16. Effectively responds to and manages crisis situations.

17. Participates in agency meetings, trainings, and events, including those outside standard hours.

18. Maintains confidentiality and adheres to professional conduct standards at all times.

19. Performs other duties as assigned to support program operations

Supervisory Responsibilities:

1. Provides regularly scheduled supervision to assigned Case Planners in accordance with agency policy and regulatory expectations.

2. Documents supervision activities, including frequency, content, and identified action items.

3. Monitors case practice, documentation quality, and adherence to foster care standards and protocols.

4. Provides timely, constructive feedback related to performance, practice skills, and professional conduct.

5. Identifies performance concerns and collaborates with Program Manager on support plans or corrective action.

6. Contributes to formal performance evaluations, including written feedback and recommendations.

7. Supports onboarding, orientation, and skill development of new staff.

8. Promotes consistency in practice standards, documentation, and service delivery across counties.

9. Assists in maintaining coverage, staff support, and continuity of services during vacancies or absences.

10. Escalates significant concerns related to safety, compliance, or staff performance in a timely manner.

Work Environment:

This position works in a professional office and community-based setting across multiple counties, including agency offices, homes, schools, and community partner locations. The role involves regular interaction with staff, youth, families, service providers, and external stakeholders. Travel within the service area is regularly required.

The work is performed in a fast-paced human services environment that requires organization, adaptability, sound judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. The position may involve interaction with individuals experiencing emotional distress, crisis situations, or other high-stress circumstances.

Equipment: This position requires regular use of computers, electronic documentation systems, telephones, and other standard office equipment.

Physical Demands: The essential functions of this position are performed in both office and community settings. Duties regularly require sitting, standing, walking, using a computer, communicating with others, and traveling between locations. The position may occasionally require bending, reaching, and carrying routine work materials. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position. Work hours generally occur during regular business hours, with flexibility based on program needs. Occasional evening hours and participation in on-call rotation are required.

Travel:

Regular travel throughout Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties is required to meet with youth, families, providers, and community partners in homes, schools, agency sites, and other community locations.

Required Education and Experience:

A bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field is required; a master’s degree is preferred. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two to three years of experience in foster care, child welfare, or case planning, as well as strong knowledge of OCFS, DSS, and foster care regulatory requirements. Prior supervisory or leadership experience is preferred.

Skills/Abilities/Knowledge:

· Strong organizational, time-management, and office skills.

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including strong oral and written communication.

· Ability to supervise, coach, and develop staff.

· Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality practice.

· Ability to manage competing priorities across a multi-county region.

· Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and community partners.

· Ability to work cooperatively with others and contribute as a team player.

· Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information in an unbiased, ethical, and professional manner.

· Demonstrated professionalism, ethical practice, sound judgment, tact, diplomacy, and self-direction.

· Ability to communicate in a clear, courteous, and professional manner.

· Ability to adapt to change, respond productively in a dynamic work environment, and support additional duties as assigned.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

A valid NYS driver’s license is required. Must maintain privacy of confidential information. Successful completion of routine pre-employment requirements as mandated by the New York State Department of Health, Office of Mental Health and Office of Children and Family Services along with ongoing clearances and exclusion checks. These requirements are to include employment health requirements, reference checks, criminal background checks/fingerprinting, State Central Registry clearance and your eligibility to work in the United States. A valid NYS driver’s license is required. Corporate Compliance, HIPAA Privacy Security, Workplace Harassment and Discrimination Training, Nonviolent Crisis Intervention, First Aid and CPR will be required following date of hire.