Case Manager - Bilingual - Spanish/English -JOR

NATIONAL YOUTH ADVOCATE PROGRAM•Chicago, IL

19h•$57,500 - $57,500•Onsite

About The Position

The Case Manager for La Jornada connects youth 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 serves as a point of contact for assigned federal and contract stakeholders and works collaboratively with case management, clinical, medical, educational, and other program staff. The Case Manager supports safe and timely release of youth from ORR care through sponsor vetting, reunification planning, referrals, and ongoing communication with youth and families. The position requires a flexible, organized, and efficient schedule, including extended hours, evenings, weekends, and on-call work. It also involves travel and driving to provide program services, appointments, and, when required, youth transportation for reunification. The Case Manager may manage eight UC cases with minimal supervision, with caseload potentially increasing based on sponsor category and other factors.

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.
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 necessary.
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, a valid state driver’s license, a reliable personal vehicle, and a good driving record.
Ability to work eight UC cases with minimal supervision, with the caseload potentially increasing depending on sponsor category and other factors.
Ability to travel as needed for trainings, conferences, or youth transportation within the United States.
Ability to respond productively to change and handle additional essential tasks.
Ability to remain objective and professional, respect others’ ideas and actions, and respond flexibly to youth, foster caregivers, partners, and stakeholders.
Sincere desire and ability 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 count.

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 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 UC 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 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.
Support a safe environment and timely release of children from ORR care, including vetting sponsors and household members through address searches, relationship documentation, income verification, background checks, and other actions.
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 make appropriate referrals, including referrals for 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, primary caregivers, and/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 representatives from program departments.
Build and maintain relationships with assigned foster parents, attend meetings with them, and serve as program liaison with foster caregivers.
Drive children to program services, court appointments, attorney visits, other required appointments, and, when needed, destinations within the United States for reunification.
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 or participate in reporting significant incidents in accordance with 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 evacuation of youth when needed due to severe weather, disasters, or other unforeseen events.
Maintain a safe, clean, hazard-free work area; follow ORR, CDC, and state COVID-19 protocols; and ensure proper supervision of youth.
Perform other duties as assigned.