Family Project Social Worker

Organization Overview

Hunts Point Alliance for Children (HPAC) is a non-profit organization transforming the lives of children and families in Hunts Point, a vibrant South Bronx neighborhood with a significant opportunity to improve child well-being. Founded in 2007 in response to the low education outcomes of at-risk students in Hunts Point, HPAC pursued the bold mission of expanding the hopes and potential of the neighborhood and its families. The organization accomplishes this by nurturing children and youth along their path to college or career. Since its founding, HPAC has grown to become a central community leader and currently directly serves approximately 300 children across programs that target early learning all the way through college.

HPAC’s work falls into four program areas: 

• Early Childhood Education focuses on building early learning and executive functioning skills for children ages 0-4. 

• Youth Development and Scholarship Support include HPAC’s Community to Career Pipeline for children in grades 4-12.  

• The Family Project helps Hunts Point families to achieve household stability so that they can provide their children with a nurturing, secure, and supportive environment. 

• Alliance and Community partner of 7 schools and 17 local organizations meeting the needs of children and families in Hunts Point. 

Position Overview

The Family Project Social Worker is responsible for leading an exciting mental health initiative to address the mental health needs of Hunts Point families. HPAC is launching a new mental health program that integrates scientific research from leading neuroscientists. HPAC’s new model for mental health services aligns with the recommendations from these experts and speaks to specific gaps in resources to support social workers and teachers. We are also increasing community access to social work interns and providing vital evidence-informed tools to our under-resourced school partners.

The Family Project Social Worker supervises a team of one Senior Case Manager and at least two social work interns. The Senior Case Manager connects families to immigration, housing, employment, medical, and mental health resources so they can meet their basic needs and offer strong support to their children's ongoing school and socio-emotional success. Our Senior Case Manager and social work interns also support implementing our mental health program.

Responsibilities

• Launch an innovative mental health program with our partner schools.

• Provide counseling for community families and students in HPAC programs while connecting them with long-term clinical providers.

• Plan and implement peer support groups, workshops (virtual and/or in person), enrollment events for families, and organize Family Project members' volunteer opportunities.

• Develop and maintain relationships within a network of multi-disciplinary human service organizations for information exchange and referrals in the broader community.

• Lead, recruit and conduct Case Conference, a monthly support group for HPAC staff, local guidance counselors, mental health providers, and parent liaisons/coordinators.

• Support community partners’ events by attending mental health or family support planning meetings as needed.

• Distribute donated items or other resources as available to families and seek additional resources to meet emergent and acute needs.

• Lead monthly inter-team meetings with youth development and Family Project teams.

• Conduct home visits as necessary.

• Manage communications and logistics for annual events.

• Manage communications and logistics for the Emergency Relief Fund for families.

• Conduct classroom observations, assessments, and evaluations, as requested.

• Work with Senior Case Manager to determine which community resources can serve the different needs of our families.

• Work with Senior Case Manager to communicate and advocate with service providers about clients' needs.

• Provide timely documentation and maintenance of client files and progress notes.

• Participate in training, individual and group supervision, and meetings with your supervisor and interdisciplinary team.

• Recruit, and supervise social work interns and provide field support.

• All other responsibilities as assigned.

Qualifications

• MSW (required), with a minimum of 2-4 years of experience in adolescent development and mental health counseling. LMSW preferred.

• At least 2-4 years of experience working with youth and public schools.

• Knowledgeable of and ability to apply trauma-informed, positive youth development principles to working with young people and their families.

• Knowledge of social service systems and resources as they relate to HPAC’s urban youth population.

• Demonstrated ability in developing adolescent treatment modalities and group facilitation skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and creatively as part of an interdisciplinary treatment team.

• Interest in increasing knowledge about neurobiology and mental health.

• SIFI certification is strongly preferred. (We can obtain it through a university partner while employed with our agency).

• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Benefits:

HPAC offers a generous compensation package, including a competitive base salary in the mid $70s, health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid vacation, and sick holidays. We also acknowledge all DOE holidays (including winter and spring breaks), and the office is closed for two weeks in August and the last week of December. We are a fun work environment and often make time for staff gatherings like karaoke, team lunches, and other enjoyable activities.

This role requires in-person work in the community and after-school settings and requires proof of vaccination.

Hunts Point Alliance for Children is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, age, marital status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by relevant national and state law.