Case Manager - Bilingual - Spanish/English -JOR

National Youth Advocate Program•Gurnee, IL

About The Position

The Case Manager for La Jornada connects children, youth, and families with support and resources and coordinates case management and family reunification services. The role is responsible for completing timely assessments and service plans, submitting reunification packets and release requests, uploading required documents to ORR’s UC Portal, and maintaining comprehensive electronic and physical case files in accordance with ORR policy and NYAP quality requirements. The Case Manager works collaboratively with program administration and clinical, medical, educational, legal, and other stakeholders to support children’s safety and timely release from ORR care. The position requires a flexible, organized, and efficient work schedule, including on-call duties, evenings, weekends, and extended hours as needed. The Case Manager conducts intake and sponsor interviews, coordinates case reviews and treatment meetings, maintains regular contact with youth and families, supports legal access, and facilitates transportation and services connected to reunification. The role also involves documenting case activity, reporting significant incidents, supporting discharge and safety planning, and supervising youth as necessary.

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.
Excellent case management, verbal communication, and written communication skills.
Critical assessment and analysis skills.
Motivated, organized, flexible, and able to 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, weekends, and evenings.
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 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 up to eight UC cases with minimal supervision; caseload may increase depending on sponsor category and other factors.
Willingness to work flexible and non-traditional hours in support of foster caregivers, families of origin, and persons served.
Ability to travel as needed for training, conferences, or to transport youth within the United States.
Ability to adapt productively to change and remain objective and professional, with tolerance and respect for others.
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 is included.

Responsibilities

Perform work consistent with NYAP’s mission, values, and philosophies.
Complete case management assessments within ORR’s required timeframes.
Conduct on-site admission and initial intake interviews with youth, gathering family and potential sponsor information and establishing age.
Interview sponsors and family members to assess a sponsor’s ability to care for minors.
Act 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 meetings with ORR stakeholders as needed.
Coordinate timely Know Your Rights presentations and legal screenings with local pro bono attorneys.
Collaborate with program administration and clinical, medical, and educational staff to identify effective case management practices.
Help ensure children have a safe environment and achieve safe, timely release from ORR care, including conducting sponsor and household vetting activities as needed.
Document actions and contacts with youth, sponsors, and stakeholders in 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 make appropriate referrals to support timely release, including home studies and post-release services.
Provide weekly face-to-face updates to youth and telephone updates to family members or sponsors; ensure 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, 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 participating in discharge planning.
Participate in documenting safety plans and plans for youth aging out at age 18.
Oversee or participate in reporting significant incidents according to policies and procedures.
Maintain UC electronic and physical files, including uploads to UC Portal and Evolve.
Attend required organizational trainings, departmental meetings, program meetings, and professional development training.
Assist with youth evacuations when needed because of inclement 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.
Ensure appropriate supervision of youth and perform other duties as assigned.