Case Manager - Bilingual - Spanish/English -JOR

National Youth Advocate Program•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

The Case Manager for La Jornada connects youth and families with services and resources and manages cases to support safe, timely reunification from ORR care. The role is responsible for completing and submitting timely assessments and service plans, uploading documents to ORR’s UC Portal, and maintaining comprehensive case files in compliance with ORR policy and NYAP quality requirements. The Case Manager works collaboratively with youth, families and sponsors, foster caregivers, program staff, legal partners, and ORR stakeholders. The position requires a flexible, organized, and efficient schedule, including extended hours, evenings, weekends, and on-call work. It also involves transporting youth and traveling as needed, maintaining proper supervision, and responding to changing program needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or another social service field.
Excellent case management, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
Critical assessment and analysis skills.
Ability to stay organized and flexible, manage multiple service priorities, multitask, and work under stress.
Sincere commitment to serving and advocating for youth and families.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including on-call schedules, evenings, and weekends.
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 necessary.
Proficiency with desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, printers, fax machines, photocopiers, and word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
Bilingual English/Spanish fluency; Spanish fluency is required.
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 up to eight UC cases with minimal supervision; caseload may increase depending on sponsor category and other factors.
Willingness to travel as needed for trainings, conferences, and youth transportation within the United States.
Ability to adapt to change and remain objective and professional while responding flexibly to youth, caregivers, partners, and stakeholders.
Ability and willingness to advocate for children facing behavioral health, immigration, educational, legal, developmental, and socioeconomic challenges.
Physical ability to use manual dexterity and tactile, visual, and auditory acuity; perform repetitive motions; sit and stand for prolonged periods; and occasionally lift, bend, pull, or carry up to 25 pounds.
Ability to travel frequently and drive for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform work consistent with NYAP’s mission, values, and philosophies.
Complete case management assessments within ORR’s required timeframes.
Conduct on-site admissions and initial intake interviews, 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 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 with multidisciplinary professionals; attend staffing meetings with ORR stakeholders as needed.
Coordinate with local pro bono attorneys to provide timely Know Your Rights presentations and legal screenings.
Collaborate with program administration and clinical, medical, and educational staff on case management practices.
Support a safe environment and timely release from ORR care by completing sponsor-vetting actions, which may include 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, and submit completed packets with appropriate referrals, including home studies and post-release services.
Provide weekly in-person updates to youth and telephone updates and at least two weekly telephone contacts with family, primary caregivers, or sponsors.
Facilitate calls between minors and approved family members or caregivers, and facilitate attorney-client contact when requested by youth.
Coordinate weekly treatment team meetings with program departments.
Build and maintain relationships with foster parents, attend meetings with them, and serve as a program liaison to foster caregivers.
Drive youth 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 electronic and physical UC files, including uploading documents to UC Portal and Evolve.
Attend required organizational, departmental, and program meetings and trainings.
Assist with youth evacuation when needed due to severe 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 at all times and perform other assigned duties.