Conference Facilitator

ABOUT THE ROLE This full-time position is located in Queens within the Administration for Children’s Services (ACS), specifically in the Office of Family Team Conferencing. ACS protects and promotes the safety and well-being of children and families through child welfare, juvenile justice services, and community supports. The Conference Facilitator is responsible for facilitating a continuum of conferences, focusing on child safety, risk, well-being, permanency, and family support. The role involves making safety decisions, developing safety plans, exploring kinship resources for placement, and ensuring decisions reflect ACS values. An exam may be required. Permanent Child and Family Specialists are encouraged to apply to avoid being "bumped" when the eligible list is established. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Attend and facilitate all Family Team Conferences (FTCs) scheduled, focusing on child safety, risk, well-being, permanency, and family support - Address critical issues and concerns of the child, family, provider agencies, divisional partners, and Family Court during conferences - Use a decision-making process involving key stakeholders to make recommendations for referrals and resources - Prepare and complete administrative functions, including timely documentation of conferences, data, action plans, and reports - Complete Expedited Home study packages (5300 series) with kinship resources in the community - Make Department of Aging Services (DOAS) requests for items to support children in kinship resource homes - Request Emergency Funds or Miscellaneous Reimbursement Payments for kin resources caring for children - Interface with interagency critical support resources (e.g., clinical consultation team, MCHU, Investigative Consultants) to identify barriers and safety concerns MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS A Master’s Degree in Social Work from an accredited school of social work AND one of the following: 1. A valid New York State Registration as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and at least one year of full-time, satisfactory, post-graduate experience including substantial experience in facilitation of family team conferences, clinical group work, or professional training related to child and family services. 2. A valid New York State Registration as a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) and at least three years of the experience described in option 1. Up to two years of this experience may be in supervision of social work practice areas. 3. At least three years of the experience described in option 1. A valid NYS LCSW or LMSW license must be obtained within one year of appointment. Additional Requirements: - At least one year of the required experience must have been obtained in the last five years. - Employees who fail to obtain their LCSW or LMSW within one year of appointment may have their probationary period extended by up to six months. Failure to obtain the license by the end of the probationary period will result in dismissal. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Background Check: Section 424-A of the New York Social Services Law requires an inquiry into whether the candidate has been the subject of a child abuse and maltreatment report. - Preferred Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills; excellent analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills; proficient knowledge of NYS Connections Database, Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access. - 55-a Program: This position is open to qualified persons with a disability eligible for the 55-a Program. Applicants must indicate this interest at the top of their resume and cover letter. - Residency Requirement: New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. Candidates should discuss applicability with the agency representative during the interview. SELECTION PROCESS Candidates must take and pass the next open competitive exam for the Civil Service Title to avoid being removed from the position when the eligible list is established. HOW TO APPLY Apply via www.cityjobs.nyc.gov or www.nyc.gov/ess for current NYC employees. Search for Job ID # 763925. Do not use phone calls, faxes, or personal inquiries. Only candidates under consideration will be contacted. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: Queens (Assignments may include 92-31 Union Hall Street and 165-15 Archer Avenue) - Schedule: Full-Time - Benefits: Eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) and state repayment assistance programs. - Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of New York is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment free from discrimination and harassment.