Case Manager - Bilingual - Spanish/English - JOR

National Youth Advocate Program•Roselle, IL

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. The role includes uploading documents to ORR’s UC Portal and maintaining comprehensive case files in compliance with ORR policy and NYAP’s CQI Team. The Case Manager maintains a flexible, organized, and efficient schedule and may work extended hours, weekends, and on-call shifts. The position coordinates case management and family reunification services for children in care, supports safe and timely release from ORR care, and collaborates with multidisciplinary program staff, families, sponsors, foster caregivers, attorneys, and ORR stakeholders. The Case Manager also documents services and contacts, supports discharge and safety planning, and transports youth as needed.

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 motivated, organized, and flexible while managing multiple service priorities and working under stress.
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 necessary.
Proficiency with desktop and laptop computers, smartphones, tablets, printers, fax machines, photocopiers, and word-processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
Bilingual English/Spanish ability; fluency in Spanish 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.
Willingness to work flexible and non-traditional hours in support of foster caregivers, families of origin, and people served.
Ability to respond productively to change and handle other essential tasks as assigned.
Ability to remain objective and professional and to show tolerance and respect for others’ ideas and actions.
Ability and willingness to advocate for children facing behavioral health, immigration, educational, legal, developmental, and socioeconomic challenges.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform all work consistently 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, or family friends to assess a sponsor’s ability to care for a minor.
Serve as the UC 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 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.
Collaborate with program administration and clinical, medical, and educational staff on case management practices.
Help ensure children have a safe environment and are released safely and promptly from ORR care, including completing sponsor vetting activities such as address searches, obtaining birth certificates, income verifications, and background checks.
Document actions and contacts with youth, sponsors, and stakeholders in progress notes as required by NYAP.
Complete reunification packets and Release Requests for initial review by the Lead Case Manager or program designee.
Submit completed reunification packets and appropriate referrals for timely release to designated sponsors, including home study and post-release services referrals.
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 approved caregivers, and facilitate attorney-client contact when requested by youth.
Coordinate weekly treatment team meetings with representatives from program departments.
Build and maintain relationships with assigned foster parents, attend meetings with them, and serve as a program liaison to 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 and/or participate in reporting significant incidents in accordance with policies and procedures.
Maintain youth electronic and physical files, including uploads to UC Portal and Evolve.
Work up to eight UC cases with minimal supervision, with the number potentially increasing based on sponsor category and other factors.
Attend required organizational trainings, departmental and program meetings, and other professional development trainings as directed.
Assist with evacuation of youth when needed due to severe weather, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events.
Travel as needed for training, conferences, or youth transportation within the United States.
Maintain a safe, clean, and hazard-free work area; follow applicable ORR, CDC, and state COVID-19 protocols; and ensure proper supervision of youth.
Perform other duties as assigned.