Careers

This page provides you with the most current information regarding job opportunities at Options for Families and Youth (OFY) and what would be required of you in order to apply for a position at OFY. We have broken down each program for you and let you know what type of education, experience, and licensure/certification is needed. If you have further questions, please call and speak to me, Mike Rush, directly at 216-267-7070 ext.12.

Foster Care

We currently employ four full-time, foster care case managers. They work with about 55 to 60 children/teens. Case managers typically carry a caseload of 12-to-16 children/teens that are placed in five-to-eight foster homes. These are specialized (treatment) foster homes that have children/teens with special needs.

Case managers are required to have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work AS WELL AS being certified as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). Case managers can possess higher degrees and certifications such as a Master’s Degree in Social Work with LISW, LISW-S or LPCC certification.

In our Foster Care program, OFY also employs Training Coordinators; Licensing Specialists; Case Aids; Information Technology individuals; and Office Management personnel.

Early Childhood/Early Intervention

OFY currently employs 16 Service Coordinators, three Supervisors, Program Director, Administrative Assistant and an Office Aid in our programs funded by Help Me Grow.
Service Coordinators carry caseloads of up to 50 children. OFY’s Help Me Grow programs serve a total of over 800 children/families on a daily basis. We are one of Cuyahoga County’s largest providers.

Service Coordinators are required to have a minimum of an Associates Degree in any one of a number of child/family-related fields. Service Coordinators are also required to complete training within their first year of service on topics approved by the Ohio Department of Health in order to receive their Certificate. Service Coordinators must also complete “Parents As Teachers” training, a week-long, intensive training in a nationally-recognized, child-development curriculum that certifies them as a Parent Educator.

Adoption

OFY currently employs several individuals to perform home studies for adoptive parents. Due to the current funding cuts in the state budget regarding adoptions in the child welfare system, our adoption services have been limited.

In order to do adoption home study approval work, an individual must possess a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work; be a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and complete two series of sessions in Adoption Assessment Training in earning an Adoption Assessor Certification. The Certification sessions to become an Adoption Assessor can be taken by an LSW social worker while they are employed.

Behavioral Healthcare

OFY currently employs three individuals in our Behavioral Healthcare Department. Although OFY has employed two therapists for our foster care population for over 10 years, we are in the process of expanding our services to the community. We are currently providing service to Medicaid-only clients who are children, adolescents, or adults.

Therapists are required to have a minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Counseling AND be licensed as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) or as an Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC). OFY would prefer that interested LSWs or LPCs have a measure of experience in the field of providing Assessments and Counseling or Therapy. We also welcome individuals with Master’s Degrees and higher certifications, i.e. LISW, LPCC or LISW-S.

If You Are Interested?

The next best step if you wish to explore employment at OFY is to call and/or email Mike Rush and make an inquiry. We will respond about current opportunities available to you. If you wish, OFY keeps an “active file” of resumes of those interested enough to call us or email. So, if you are so inclined, attach your resume.

By the way…you can do things the old fashioned way and simply call us at 216-267-7070 and ask to speak to me, Mike Rush, personally.

Why Would I Want To Work At Options for Families and Youth?

Hey! Maybe you don’t, but here’s a sample of what some of our employees say about working at Options for Families and Youth (OFY):

“I like being surrounded by awesome and caring people who believe their hard work can make a difference.” – Kathy Vagase, Administrative Assistant, OFY Help Me Grow
 

“Along with the wide variety of work I enjoy doing, I find the staff to be an exceptional group of caring and dedicated people. They do everything they possibly can to help a child, parent, or foster parent.” – Shirley Polick, OFY Receptionist
 

“OFY is mission-focused and values the good that can be found in all people.” – Janice Smith, OFY Foster Care Case Manager
 

“Considering the difficult work we do, a positive environment is essential. OFY offers a diverse group of supportive individuals and an atmosphere of comraderie and objectivity.” – John Uhlir, OFY Foster Care Case Manager
 

“It’s a comfortable work environment. I feel appreciated and am rewarded through my ability to serve my clients.” – Amy Herrin, OFY HMG Team For Teens Coordinator
 

“The staff at OFY are compassionate and care about the children we work with. We have a strong commitment to the family as well as the child’s well-being.” – Christel Bright, OFY HMG Service Coordinator
 

“I enjoy being part of a caring group of people who work together as a team and who understand and meet the special needs of children who are in foster care.” – Pam Bertaud, OFY Therapist
 

“OFY is my ideal place to work. Staff expertise and dedication provide a rich, supportive environment that allows us to provide a unique combination of service options for the children and families in our community.” – Ginger Heyneman, OFY Assistant Director