Child Welfare Specialist

Coastal International Security, Inc•Los Alamos, NM

5d•$60,000 - $70,000•Remote

About The Position

The Case Officer is the social services anchor of a two-person field team conducting in-person safety and wellness checks on unaccompanied children released to sponsors across the United States. Working alongside a Case Manager, the Case Officer leads child welfare assessment, engages with families and children with cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care, and ensures the wellbeing focus of every interaction. This role requires a background in social work, case management, or child welfare and a genuine commitment to the safety of vulnerable children.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field - or equivalent field experience
2+ years of experience in social work, case management, child welfare, or a related helping profession
Experience working with children, families, or vulnerable populations in a field or community setting
Strong written documentation and report-writing skills
Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively within assigned region
Must be a U.S. Citizen - no exceptions
Must have resided in the United States for at least 3 of the last 5 years
Must pass a federal government background investigation (suitability determination) before beginning work
Must complete all required government training modules before starting field work
Must sign program Standards of Conduct and Non-Disclosure Agreement
Must be able to work field-based, nationwide assignments

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish/English or other language pairs) strongly preferred - all interactions must be in the family's language
MSW or equivalent graduate-level credential in social work or human services
Experience with DHS, HHS, child protective services, refugee resettlement, or immigration-related programs
Familiarity with trauma-informed care frameworks and adverse childhood experience (ACE) indicators
Current or transferable federal background investigation - significantly accelerates onboarding

Responsibilities

Conduct child welfare and safety assessments during field visits alongside the Case Manager
Engage with children, sponsors, and family members using trauma-informed, culturally sensitive practices
Ensure all interactions are conducted in the family's primary language - through bilingual capability or professional interpreters
Document case observations and outcomes accurately; submit reports within required timeframes
Identify and escalate safety concerns, signs of abuse, trafficking indicators, or welfare risks immediately
Adhere strictly to program Standards of Conduct - no gifts, no personal contact, no legal advice to participants
Report any adverse information, conduct violations, or safety concerns to supervisors within 24 hours
Verify UAC school enrollment and confirm attendance in accordance with state requirements
Inform UAC and sponsor of legal obligations including immigration court dates, ERO reporting, and release conditions
Enter and update standardized case data in ICE systems of record following each completed visit
Report serious health or safety events to supervisors within 1 hour; performance concerns within 1 calendar day
Participate in all required training, certifications, and annual refresher courses