Court Liaison

Job Description

Job Description

The Court Liaison is responsible for representing the agency in Family Court when a case planner is unavailable, ensuring accurate communication and documentation in all legal proceedings. This role requires building strong working relationships with FCLS attorneys and court personnel, facilitating timely and effective communication regarding hearings (e.g., extensions of placement, permanency hearings, fact findings, and progress reports). The Court Liaison plays an essential role in supporting permanency planning and expediting the safe discharge of children from foster care.

This position offers a hybrid and in field work schedule and is based in Queens. From time to time, this position requires work outside of normally scheduled working hours.

About St. John’s

Founded in 1826 as a home for orphaned children, St. John’s has evolved into a nonprofit social services agency providing residential care to New York City youth involved in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. We offer holistic, trauma-informed support to young people up to age 21. 

Our main campus in Rockaway Park, Queens, houses a Residential Treatment Center, Close to Home Non-Secure Placement programs, administrative offices, clinical services, and an on-site NYC Department of Education school. We also operate a Non-Secure Detention residence in Richmond Hill and Limited Secure Placement programs in Brooklyn and Staten Island. 

St. John’s is dedicated to helping youth heal, grow, and build the skills they need to achieve their goals and return to family or a stable, supportive environment as engaged members of their communities. 

Principal Responsibilities

• Attend Family Court hearings across all five boroughs of New York City in the absence of a case planner.
• Prepare, review, and submit necessary court documentation to ensure compliance and accuracy.
• Record and upload case-related court outcomes into the case record and agency database in a timely manner. Serves LTS point person and manage LTS.
• Communicate court outcomes to case planners, supervisors, and program leadership to ensure follow-up actions are completed.
• Participate in staff conferences, permanency planning meetings, and interdisciplinary team discussions.
• Consult regularly with supervisors regarding case activity, case status, and court outcomes.
• Prepare written reports, summaries, and correspondence related to assigned cases.
• Provide training or coaching to caseworkers on effective court preparation and testimony as needed.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to agency, ACS, OCFS, and Family Court policies and procedures.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• A valid NYS Driver's license.
• Strong knowledge of NYC child welfare systems, including ACS and Family Court procedures.
• Understanding oflaws, regulations, and best practices governing the care, custody, and treatment of children in foster care.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and time management skills.
• Ability toestablisheffective working relationships with attorneys, court personnel, staff, children, and families.
• Skilledin preparing clear,accurate, and comprehensive case documentation.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel); knowledge of CONNECTIONS and FASPrequired.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience in child welfare, family services, or legal/court-related settings strongly preferred.

Travel Requirements

This position offers a full-time, hybrid schedule and is based in Queens and requires travels all throughout New York City's five boroughs.

Disclaimer

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the incumbent in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of a person in this position.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Statement

With more than 250 years of combined experience, Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York and St. John’s Residence for Boys have a long-standing history of serving children, youth, adults and families of color. Our mission, vision and values are grounded in elevating the shared humanity of every staff member, community partner and those with whom we engage. We recognize that our DEIB work is continuously evolving as we strive for equity and inclusion for individuals of all races, ethnicities, genders, sexualities, ages, abilities, religions and lived experiences.

Accessibility

Some job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may be designed to protect the safety and health of the employee, their fellow employees and the individuals being served and may therefore exclude some individuals.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

St. John’s Residence for Boys provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other legally protected group status.