Case Manager - Bilingual - Spanish/English -JOR

National Youth Advocate Program•Chicago, IL

About The Position

The Case Manager for La Jornada connects children and families with support and resources and manages case planning and reunification services for youth in ORR care. The role is responsible for completing timely assessments and service plans, submitting reunification documentation, uploading records to ORR’s UC Portal and maintaining comprehensive electronic and physical case files in compliance with ORR policy and NYAP’s CQI requirements. The Case Manager conducts youth intake and sponsor/family interviews; coordinates with federal, clinical, medical, educational, legal, and program stakeholders; supports safe and timely release to designated sponsors; and maintains regular contact with youth and families. The position also participates in treatment and staffing meetings, discharge planning, safety planning, incident reporting, and transportation of youth as needed. The Case Manager must maintain a flexible schedule, including on-call coverage, evenings, and weekends, and may travel for training or to transport youth within the United States.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling, or another social service field.
One year of experience working with children and adolescents or in youth services is preferred; volunteer and internship experience counts toward this experience.
Excellent case management, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
Critical assessment and analysis skills.
Motivated, organized, flexible, and able to manage multiple service priorities and work under stress while multitasking.
Sincere commitment to serving and advocating for youth and families.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including on-call schedules, evenings, and weekends.
Clearance through a Level II background check from the appropriate entity.
Ability to obtain Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) and First Aid/CPR certifications.
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.
Bilingual English/Spanish; fluency in Spanish is required.
Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000 bodily liability coverage.
At least 21 years of age, with a valid state driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle, and good driving record.
Ability to work eight UC cases with minimal supervision; caseload may increase depending on sponsor category and other factors.
Ability to travel as needed for training, conferences, or youth transportation 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, and to travel frequently and drive while sitting for extended periods.
Ability to respond productively to change, remain objective and professional, respect others, and advocate for children facing behavioral health, immigration, educational, legal, developmental, and socioeconomic challenges.

Responsibilities

Perform work consistent with NYAP’s mission, values, and philosophies.
Complete case management assessments within ORR timeframes.
Conduct on-site admissions and initial intake interviews, gathering family and sponsorship information and establishing the youth’s age.
Interview sponsors and family members 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 and lead pre-staffing meetings with multidisciplinary professionals, and attend additional stakeholder staffing meetings 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 of youth from ORR care; complete sponsor vetting actions such as address searches, obtaining relationship documentation, income verification, and background checks.
Document actions and contacts with youth, sponsors, and stakeholders in progress notes as required by NYAP.
Complete and submit reunification packets and Release Requests for initial review by the Lead Case Manager or program designee.
Submit completed reunification packets and make appropriate referrals, including home studies and post-release services, to support timely release to designated sponsors.
Provide weekly face-to-face updates to youth and telephone updates to family members or sponsors; ensure two weekly telephone contacts with family, caregivers, or sponsors.
Facilitate calls between youth and approved family members or caregivers, and facilitate attorney-client contact when requested by youth.
Coordinate weekly treatment team meetings with program departments.
Build relationships with assigned foster parents, attend meetings with them, and serve as the program liaison with foster caregivers.
Drive children to program services and appointments, and transport youth within the United States for reunification when needed.
Coordinate case management and family reunification services, including discharge planning.
Participate in documenting safety plans and post-18 age-out plans.
Oversee or participate in reporting significant incidents according to policy and procedure.
Maintain UC electronic and physical files, including uploads to the UC Portal and Evolve.
Attend required organizational and program trainings and meetings.
Assist with evacuation of youth when needed due to severe weather, disasters, or other unforeseen events.
Maintain a safe, clean, and 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.