Case Manager - Bilingual - Spanish/English -JOR

NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM • Naperville, IL

5d • $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 timely assessments and service plans, uploading documentation into ORR’s UC Portal, and maintaining comprehensive case files in compliance with ORR policy and NYAP quality requirements. The role coordinates case management and family reunification services for youth in ORR care, supporting safe and timely release to sponsors and participating in discharge planning.

The Case Manager works collaboratively with youth, families and sponsors, foster caregivers, program staff, attorneys, and ORR stakeholders. The position requires a flexible, organized schedule, including extended hours, evenings, weekends, and on-call coverage. It is based in Naperville, Illinois, and involves frequent travel and transportation of youth.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or another social service field.
• Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency; fluency in Spanish is required.
• Excellent case management, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
• Critical assessment and analysis skills.
• Ability to stay organized and flexible, navigate multiple service priorities, multitask, and work under stress.
• 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.
• Clear a Level II background check.
• Ability to obtain Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification and First Aid/CPR certification.
• Ability to supervise clients indoors and outdoors.
• 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 depending on sponsor category and other factors.
• Willingness to travel as needed for training, conferences, or transportation of youth within the United States.
• Ability to adapt to change, remain objective and professional, respect others, and respond flexibly to youth, caregivers, partners, and stakeholders.
• Ability to advocate for children facing behavioral health, immigration, educational, legal, developmental, and socioeconomic challenges.
• Physical ability to use manual dexterity and tactile, visual, and audio acuity; perform repetitive motion; sit and stand for prolonged periods; occasionally lift up to 25 pounds; bend, pull, and carry; and travel frequently, including driving while seated for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Perform work consistently with NYAP’s mission, values, and philosophies.
• Complete case management assessments within ORR timelines.
• 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 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-staffings with multidisciplinary professionals and attend staffings 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.
• Help ensure youth have a safe environment and are released from ORR care safely and promptly, including vetting sponsors and caregivers through address searches, relationship documentation, income verification, background checks, and other required actions.
• Document contacts and actions in progress notes as required by NYAP.
• Complete reunification packets and Release Requests for initial review, then submit completed packets and appropriate referrals, including home studies and post-release services.
• Provide weekly in-person updates to youth and telephone updates to family members or sponsors, and ensure two weekly telephone contacts with family, caregivers, or sponsors.
• Facilitate calls between minors and approved family members or caregivers, and attorney-client contact when requested by youth.
• Coordinate weekly treatment team meetings with program departments.
• Build relationships with foster parents, attend meetings with them, and serve as a liaison to foster caregivers.
• Transport children to program services, appointments, court, attorney visits, and, when needed, reunification destinations within the United States.
• Coordinate case management and family reunification services and participate in discharge planning, safety plans, and post-18 age-out plans.
• Oversee or participate in reporting significant incidents according to policy and procedure.
• Maintain electronic and physical UC files, including document uploads in UC Portal and Evolve.
• Attend required organizational, departmental, program, and professional-development trainings and meetings.
• Assist with youth evacuations during severe weather, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events; maintain a safe, clean, hazard-free work area and properly supervise youth.
• Follow ORR, CDC, and state COVID-19 protocols and perform other assigned duties.

Benefits

• 33 paid days off per year, consisting of 11 holidays and 22 days of paid time off.
• Healthcare benefits for employees and their families.
• Pet insurance with discounts and reimbursements.
• 401(k).
• Summer hours off, including half-day Fridays and work-anniversary trips.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Phone allowance.
• Student loan repayment assistance.
• CEUs and ongoing training and education.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level