Home Study Post Release Services-Home Study Caseworker

Rising Ground, Inc. • New York, NY

13h • Hybrid

About The Position

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 72,000 individuals annually. We do this through 101 programs across 138 sites, throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity is shown not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. Rising Ground is headquartered in New York City.

The Home Study Case Worker plays a critical role in evaluating a potential sponsor’s ability to provide a safe, stable, and supportive environment for an unaccompanied child prior to reunification. This includes conducting in-depth, trauma-informed home visits; verifying information gathered by the care provider; and assessing all potential risks, protective factors, and support needs. The HS Case Worker collaborates closely with the HS Supervisor and relevant stakeholders including the care provider’s case manager and clinician, the sponsor, and, when necessary, family members of the sponsor or minor to ensure the child’s safety and well-being. Home Study services are provided throughout the New York City tri-state area and nationally. This role requires frequent travel across states and may include overnight stays to complete in-person assessments as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in social work (BSW) or a related Field such as education, psychology, sociology, or other behavioral sciences.
• Valid driver’s license
• Valid TSA-compliant identification, as travel, including air travel will be required as part of this role
• Minimum of two years of experience working with youth in the social service or child welfare Field.
• Skilled in writing professional, thorough, and timely assessment reports.
• Knowledge of child welfare systems and immigration-related policies
• Familiarity with local community resources and social service systems.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to manage high-volume report writing and meet strict deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems (e.g., Connections preferred).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish (required)

Responsibilities

• Initiate contact with the referring care provider (e.g., case manager, clinician) upon case activation to review the child’s background and coordinate information-sharing
• Review the child’s history to guide a trauma-responsive approach and ensure age-appropriate, culturally sensitive engagement throughout the assessment process.
• Provide Home Study services by conducting in-home assessments and interviews with sponsors and household members to evaluate safety, caregiver capacity, and readiness for reunification.
• Identify and flag any red Flags or safety concerns (e.g., abuse, neglect, trafficking, special needs, or risk of exploitation) and maintain high-level communication with the HS Supervisor to discuss concerns, timelines, or case support needs.
• Educate sponsors on reunification responsibilities, including providing a safe and stable home, supporting access to education and healthcare, complying with immigration obligations, and fulfilling the Sponsor Care Agreement. Ensure sponsors are informed of the child’s rights, including the right to attend school, be protected from abuse or neglect, and access essential services.
• Submit high-quality Home Study reports within 10 calendar days of referral acceptance, ensuring accuracy, objectivity, and alignment with ORR and agency standards.
• Routinely audit and maintain accurate Home Study case Diles (physical and electronic), ensuring all required documents are complete. Close out cases in accordance with ORR and program guidelines, including timely updates to the UC Portal and internal trackers.
• Report any suspected abuse, neglect, or trafficking in accordance with state-specific mandated reporting laws and ORR procedures.
• Be available and Flexible to accommodate evening, after-hours, and weekend work as needed to meet case deadlines and report requirements.
• Complete all required ORR and agency trainings and remain current on child welfare policies, best practices, and program protocols
• Participate in regular supervision, case staffing, and team meetings, both virtually and in person.
• Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to maintain clear, consistent, and timely communication with supervisors. Given the fast-paced nature of the program, strong communication is essential to ensure alignment of priorities, deadlines, and case needs
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or Program Director.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees