Engagement Specialist

The Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) protects and promotes the safety and well-being of New York City’s children and families by providing child welfare, juvenile justice, and early care services. In child welfare, ACS contracts with private nonprofit organizations to support and stabilize families at risk of a crisis through preventive services and provides foster care services for children not able to safely remain at home. Each year, the agency’s Division of Child Protection responds to more than 50,000 reports of suspected child abuse or neglect. In juvenile justice, ACS manages and funds services including detention and placement, intensive community-based alternatives for youth, and support services for families. ACS is also a key part of NYCs early childhood and education continuum, providing child care assistance to thousands of child welfare involved and low-income children so they can access safe, affordable, quality care.

The New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) is seeking outstanding candidates to serve as Engagement Specialists for the Nicholas Scoppetta Children’s Center (NSCC). Reporting to the Placement Manager, the selected candidate will become an integral member of the Nicholas Scoppetta Children’s Center team for one of the country’s premier children’s services agencies dedicated to strengthening NYC’s families and their 1.8 million children.

The Engagement Specialist is part of the Intake Unit at the Children’s Center; the Intake Unit is responsible for processing all the children entering the CC for placement. As part of the unit, the Engagement Specialist ensures that CC welcome documents are provided to every child/youth being admitted to the Children’s Center.

The incumbent will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Under direct supervision, oversee the care, development and guidance of dependent, neglected, traumatized and emotionally disturbed children at the Children’s Center.
• Create a welcoming, trauma informed environment for all children entering and exiting the Children’s Center.
• Conduct individual and group orientation to youth to support NSCC program expectations, and transition to placement.
• Closely supervise youths at congregate care facilities, non-secure detention facilities and during sponsored visits and activities.
• Chaperone and/or transport youths to and from appointments, school, activities, court appearances and other community-based activities such as school trips, planned visits, communicating
  with parents, doctors and medical staff, preventive agencies from the school/ neighborhood.
• Participate and assist in planning group and individual activities such as medical appointments, preventive appointments and coordinating school visits.
• Monitor and supervises children in assigned areas.
• Intervene in crisis situations by assessing imminent danger and attempts appropriate de-escalation intervention where applicable.
• Assist children with personal hygiene when necessary.
• Conduct inspections and inventory of children’s property upon entering and departing from the Children’s Center and upon administrative request to ensure the safety and well-being of NSCC community and staff.
• Observe changes in behavior and report aberrations.
• Communicate with and direct inquiries to other members of the inter-disciplinary team and external stakeholders in the community to provide comprehensive care for all children and youths.
• Answer phones, provides requested information or direct inquiries to appropriate staff and external stakeholders.
• Complete required log entries, tracking sheets, incident reports and other relevant documentation which supports the monitoring of youth admission, youth exiting and released from Children’s Center.
• Participate in regular team meetings, all required trainings, and quality control initiatives in case conferences.
• Assist children and youth with homework, arts and crafts and other engaging activities such as helping youth transition to and from school and getting in contact with assigned staff.
• Prepare meals, when necessary.
• Shop for clothing, supplies and materials as necessary in the local community and assist with taking youth and children to grooming appointments in the community.
• Communicate to the supervisor all issues in a timely manner
• May be required to work various shifts including holidays, weekends and overnights.

1. High school graduation or equivalent and three years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to duties described above; or
2. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to “1” above.