Case Manager - Bilingual - Spanish/English - JOR

NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM•Roselle, IL

4d•$57,500 - $57,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Case Manager for La Jornada connects youth and families with support and resources and manages casework for children in ORR care. The role completes timely assessments and service plans, uploads documentation to ORR’s UC Portal, and maintains comprehensive electronic and physical case files in compliance with ORR policy and NYAP quality requirements. The Case Manager coordinates case management and family reunification services, supports safe and timely release to sponsors, and collaborates with youth, families, foster caregivers, program staff, attorneys, and ORR stakeholders. The role requires a flexible schedule, including extended hours, evenings, weekends, and on-call availability, as well as travel and transportation of youth as program needs require. The position is based at La Jornada in Roselle, Illinois, and is full-time. It requires a bachelor’s degree in a social-service-related field and fluency in English and Spanish. The Case Manager must be able to manage assigned UC cases with minimal supervision, maintain professional and objective conduct, and advocate for youth facing behavioral, immigration, educational, legal, developmental, and socioeconomic challenges.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or another social-service field.
Bilingual English/Spanish; fluency in Spanish is required.
Excellent case management, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
Critical assessment and analysis skills; ability to stay organized, manage multiple priorities, work under stress, and adapt to change.
Sincere commitment to serving and advocating for youth and families.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including on-call schedules, evenings, weekends, and non-traditional hours.
Cleared 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 manage eight UC cases with minimal supervision; caseload may increase based on sponsor category and other factors.
Ability to travel as needed for trainings, conferences, and youth transportation within the United States.
Ability to perform the physical demands of the role, including manual dexterity and sensory acuity, repetitive motions, prolonged sitting and standing, occasional lifting up to 25 pounds, bending, pulling, carrying, and frequent travel and driving.
Ability to remain objective and professional, respect others’ ideas and actions, and respond flexibly to youth, caregivers, system partners, and other stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience working with children and adolescents or in youth services; volunteer and internship experience counts.

Responsibilities

Complete case management assessments within ORR’s required timeframes and prepare and submit service plans and required documentation.
Conduct on-site admission and initial intake interviews with youth, including gathering family and possible sponsor information and establishing the youth’s age.
Interview sponsors, family members, and family friends to assess a sponsor’s ability to care for the minor.
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 processes with multidisciplinary professionals; attend staffings with ORR stakeholders as needed.
Coordinate with local pro bono attorneys to provide timely Know Your Rights presentations and legal screenings, and facilitate attorney-client contact when requested by youth.
Collaborate with program administration and clinical, medical, and educational staff to identify effective case management practices.
Support a safe environment and timely release from ORR care, including conducting address searches and obtaining relationship documentation, income verification, background checks, and other sponsor-vetting information as needed.
Document actions and contacts with youth, sponsors, and stakeholders in required progress notes.
Complete reunification packets and Release Requests for initial review by the Lead Case Manager or program designee; submit completed packets and referrals, including referrals for home studies and post-release services.
Provide weekly in-person updates to youth and telephonic updates to family members or sponsors; ensure two weekly telephone contacts with family, primary caregivers, or sponsors.
Facilitate approved calls between minors and family members or caregivers.
Coordinate weekly treatment-team meetings with representatives from program departments.
Build and maintain relationships with foster parents, attend meetings with them, and serve as a program liaison with foster caregivers.
Transport youth to program services, court appointments, attorney visits, other required appointments, and reunification destinations within the United States as needed.
Coordinate case management and family reunification services, participate in discharge planning, and document safety 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 uploading documents to UC Portal and Evolve and maintaining corresponding paper files.
Attend required organizational, departmental, program, and professional-development trainings and meetings.
Assist with evacuation of youth during inclement weather, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events; maintain a safe, clean, hazard-free work area and follow applicable ORR, CDC, and state COVID-19 protocols.
Properly supervise youth and perform other duties as assigned.