Case Manager - Bilingual - Spanish/English -JOR

National Youth Advocate Program•Naperville, 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, uploading documents to ORR’s UC Portal, and maintaining comprehensive case files in compliance with ORR policy and NYAP’s CQI Team. The role works collaboratively with program administration and multidisciplinary teams to support youth in care and their timely, safe release from ORR care to designated sponsors. The Case Manager maintains a flexible, organized, and efficient schedule, which may include extended hours, evenings, weekends, and on-call duties. The position includes direct work with youth, families, sponsors, foster caregivers, attorneys, and federal and local stakeholders; coordination of case management and reunification services; documentation and file maintenance; and transportation of youth as program needs require. Spanish fluency is required.

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 motivated, organized, and flexible while navigating multiple service priorities.
Ability to work under stress and multitask.
Sincere commitment to serving and advocating for youth and families.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including on-call schedules, weekends, and evenings.
Clearance through 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 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 work eight UC cases with minimal supervision; caseload may increase based on sponsor category and other factors.
Willingness to work flexible and non-traditional hours in support of foster caregivers, families of origin, and people served.
Ability to travel as needed for training, conferences, or transportation of youth within the United States.
Ability to adapt productively to change and handle other essential tasks as assigned.
Ability to remain objective and professional, respect others’ ideas and actions, and respond flexibly to youth, caregivers, system partners, and internal and external stakeholders.
Sincere desire and ability to advocate for children facing behavioral health, immigration, educational, legal, developmental, and socioeconomic challenges.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including frequent travel and driving, prolonged sitting and standing, repetitive motion, and occasional lifting up to 25 pounds; reasonable accommodation may be provided.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Perform work consistent with NYAP’s mission, values, and philosophies.
Complete case management assessments within ORR timeframes.
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 minors.
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, and attend staffing meetings with ORR stakeholders as needed.
Coordinate with local pro bono attorneys to arrange timely “Know Your Rights” presentations and legal screenings for children in care.
Collaborate with program administration and clinical, medical, and educational staff to identify effective case management practices.
Help ensure youth have a safe environment and are released safely and timely under ORR MAP Section 2, including completing sponsor and household vetting tasks such as address searches, obtaining birth certificates, income verifications, 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 by the Lead Case Manager or program designee.
Submit completed reunification packets and appropriate referrals to support timely release to designated sponsors, including referrals for home studies and post-release services.
Provide weekly face-to-face updates to youth and telephonic 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 approved family members or caregivers, and facilitate attorney-client contact at a youth’s request.
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 or otherwise transport children to program services, court appointments, attorney visits, other appointments, and reunification destinations within the United States as required.
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 according to policies and procedures.
Maintain UC electronic and physical files, including uploading documents to UC Portal and Evolve and maintaining corresponding physical files.
Attend required organizational trainings, departmental and program meetings, and other training that supports professional growth.
Assist with youth evacuation when needed because of severe weather, natural disasters, or other unforeseen events.
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.