Case Manager - Bilingual - Spanish/English -JOR

NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM•Gurnee, IL

3d•$52,620 - $60,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Case Manager for La Jornada connects children and families with support and resources and is responsible for completing and submitting timely assessments and service plans, uploading required documents to ORR’s UC Portal, and maintaining comprehensive case files in compliance with ORR policy and NYAP’s CQI Team. The role requires a flexible, organized, and efficient schedule, including extended hours, weekends, and on-call availability. The Case Manager coordinates case management and family reunification services for children in ORR care. This includes admission and intake interviews, sponsor and family assessment, multidisciplinary coordination, progress documentation, reunification planning, and facilitating safe and timely release to designated sponsors. The role also involves supporting youth contact with family and attorneys, coordinating with foster caregivers and program teams, transporting youth as needed, and maintaining electronic and physical case records. The position is based at La Jornada in Gurnee, Illinois, and requires fluency in Spanish and English, a valid driver’s license, access to a reliable personal vehicle, and the ability to meet the listed physical and travel demands. NYAP describes its work as providing personalized services in prevention/intervention, positive youth development, out-of-home placement, and reunification/permanency.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or another social service field.
Bilingual in English and Spanish; Spanish fluency is required.
Excellent case management, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
Critical assessment and analysis skills.
Ability to stay motivated, organized, and flexible while managing multiple service priorities.
Ability to work under stress and multitask.
Sincere commitment to serving and advocating for youth and families.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including on-call schedules, weekends, and evenings.
Clear a Level II background check from the appropriate entity.
Ability to obtain Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification and First Aid/CPR certification.
Ability to supervise clients indoors and outdoors as needed.
Proficiency with desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, printers, fax machines, photocopiers, and word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000 bodily liability coverage.
At least 21 years of age, a valid state driver’s license, a reliable personal vehicle, and a good driving record.
Ability to work eight UC cases with minimal supervision, with the possibility of an increased caseload.
Ability to travel as needed and drive frequently, including transporting youth to destinations within the United States.
Ability to use manual dexterity and tactile, visual, and audio acuity; perform repetitive motions; sit and stand for prolonged periods; and sustain visual and mental effort.
Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds, bend, pull, and carry.
Ability to travel frequently and drive while seated for extended periods.
One year of experience working with children and adolescents or in youth services is preferred; volunteer and internship experience counts.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working with children and adolescents or in the youth services field; volunteer and internship experience is included.

Responsibilities

Perform work consistent with NYAP’s mission, values, and philosophies.
Complete case management assessments within ORR’s required timeframes.
Conduct on-site admission and initial intake interviews with youth, gathering family and potential sponsor information and establishing the youth’s age.
Interview sponsors, family members, and family friends to assess a sponsor’s ability to care for minors.
Serve as the case point of contact for assigned Federal Field Specialists, Case Coordinators, and Contract Field Specialists.
Prepare for, conduct, and lead pre-staffing with multidisciplinary professionals and other designated stakeholders.
Attend staffing meetings with Case Coordinators, Federal Field Specialists, and other ORR stakeholders as needed.
Coordinate with local pro bono attorneys to provide timely Know Your Rights presentations and legal screenings for children in care.
Collaborate with program administration and clinical, medical, and educational staff on case management practices.
Help ensure children have a safe environment and are released from ORR care safely and promptly, including vetting sponsors, household members, and adult caregivers through actions such as address searches, obtaining birth certificates, income verification, and background checks.
Document actions and contacts with youth, sponsors, and stakeholders in required progress notes.
Complete and submit reunification packets and Release Requests for initial review by the Lead Case Manager or program designee.
Submit completed reunification packets and appropriate referrals to support timely youth release, including home studies and post-release services.
Provide weekly face-to-face updates to youth and telephone updates to family members or sponsors.
Ensure two weekly telephone contacts with family in the United States or country of origin, primary caregivers, and/or sponsors.
Facilitate calls between minors and appropriate family members or other approved caregivers, and facilitate attorney-client contact at a youth’s request.
Coordinate weekly treatment team meetings with program department representatives.
Establish and maintain relationships with foster parents, attend meetings with them, and serve as program liaison with foster caregivers.
Drive children to program services and appointments, including court and attorney visits, and transport youth within the United States for reunification when needed.
Coordinate case management and family reunification services, including active participation in discharge planning.
Participate in documenting safety plans and post-18 age-out plans.
Oversee or participate in reporting significant incidents in accordance with policies and procedures.
Maintain UC electronic and physical files, including uploads to UC Portal and Evolve and the corresponding physical file.
Work a flexible schedule, including on-call schedules, weekends, evenings, and non-traditional hours as program services require.
Manage eight UC cases with minimal supervision; the caseload may increase depending on sponsor category and other factors.
Attend required organizational, departmental, program, and professional-development trainings and meetings.
Assist with evacuating youth when required due to inclement weather, disasters, or other unforeseen events.
Travel as needed for trainings, conferences, or transportation of youth within the United States.
Maintain a safe, clean, hazard-free work area; follow applicable ORR, CDC, and state COVID-19 protocols; and ensure proper supervision of youth.
Adapt productively to change and perform other assigned essential tasks.
Remain objective and professional, respect others’ ideas and actions, and advocate for children facing behavioral health, immigration, educational, legal, developmental, and socioeconomic challenges.