Social Worker

About PLN

Founded on Skid Row in 1980, Para Los Niños (PLN) partners with more than 10,000 children, youth, and families each year through integrated education, wellness supports and advocacy, addressing individual and systemic barriers to create pathways to success. In addition to operating early education centers, charter elementary and middle schools, youth workforce development sites and family services, PLN is the only children's mental health provider in the Skid Row neighborhood. PLN's community transformation work brings together community members, community-based organizations, city and county agencies, elected officials, and businesses to tackle issues that impact PLN families. Ninety-three percent of families served by PLN live in areas with the highest levels of food insecurity and homelessness in L.A. County.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Partnerships for Families Program Manager, Social Worker for the Home Visit team will conduct case management assessments and deliver counseling services to individuals, families, and groups. The incumbent may also provide psychotherapeutic services to children, youth, adults, and families as appropriate.

Duties

Promotes and supports the mental health of clients.Participates in the agency Continuous Quality Improvement process for the division.Must have the ability to nurture respectful relationships with clients and children and must be sensitive to the cultural needs of the population served.Conducts intakes and evaluation of clients.Participates in weekly meetings, case conferences, training and professional consultation as necessary.Conducts visits to homes, schools, or psychiatric facilities in order to help clients achieve their treatment goals.Participates, coordinates, and facilitates various clinical group activities including individual and family therapy, parenting education, support groups and self-help groups.Follows state laws regarding mental health issues and confidentiality.Maintains client files to level of requirements mandated in agency policy and completes documentation in a timely manner.Prepares correspondence and reports in connection with case requirements by legal and contracting entities i.e., child protective services, probation, courts, Department of Mental Health, etc.Works collaboratively with members of the client's treatment team.Must be able to maintain positive working collaborative relationships with partner agencies and staff.Performs other job-related duties as directed by supervisor or director.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other Characteristics

Master's degree in social work, psychology, marriage and family counseling or a closely related field.At least three years or more of experience in home visitation, child protective services, case management, therapeutic services, or working with children 0-5.Has knowledge of evaluating risk for suicidal and homicidal ideation, imminent danger and knows appropriate intervention.Have skills in providing counseling and support to clients experiencing emotional distress and crisis.Depth in knowledge of child abuse/crisis intervention techniques.Feels comfortable working with clients who exhibit a variety of psychiatric syndromes.Good communication and interpersonal skills.Bilingual (E/S) required.Must have a reliable automobile for use on the job (mileage to be reimbursed).Valid California Driver License. State required automobile insurance coverage.TB clearance, to be renewed every two years.

COVID-19 Vaccine Required for All Employees

Must have all vaccinations and applicable boosters for Covid-19.

Physical Requirements

To perform this job the individual must be able to carry out all essential functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Approximately 50% of time is spent sitting, while frequently required to walk, stand and bend.Must be able to speak and hear well.Good vision is imperative.Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.Employee will be required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds without assistance.

Expectations for All Para Los Niños Staff

Candidates for employment at a Para Los Niños, regardless of position, will consistently demonstrate the following:

Unwavering belief in and commitment to fulfill the mission of Para Los Niños.Deep commitment to the success of all PLN students and families.Commitment to excellence and high standards -- for self, students, and colleagues.Continuous learning by engaging in reflection, self-assessment, and individual professional development.Use of data to inform decisions and drive continuous improvement.Ability to thrive as a member of a collaborative team.Self-motivation and initiative with solutions-oriented disposition.Belief in and ability to develop respectful relationships with parents and children marked by sensitivity to the students' cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.Excellent oral and written communication skills.Ability to effectively handle challenging situations.Comfort with basic Microsoft Office applications and a curiosity and propensity to push own adoption of new technology and approaches.Regular, punctual attendance and professional appearance.

Para Los Niños is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer

It is the established policy of Para Los Niños (PLN) to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without discrimination with regard to race, religious belief (including dress or grooming practices), color, sex, sex stereotype, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions (including breast feeding), age, national origin (including possessing a driver's license issued under Vehicle Code § 12801.9), ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identification and expression, transgender status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic characteristics, genetic information, family care, marital status, enrollment in any public assistance program, status as military, a veteran or qualified disabled veteran, status as an unpaid intern or volunteer, or any other classification protected by law. PLN also prohibits discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has or is perceived as having any of those characteristics.