Social Worker/Custody and Removal Coordinator

Lukos•Laredo, TX

11d•Onsite

About The Position

The Custody and Removal Coordinator (CRC) assists ERO Field Office and detention facility staff in maintaining a safe detention environment. The CRC provides services and support to detained noncitizens on issues affecting the ICE detained population and ICE mission, including victim support, trauma, sexual abuse and assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and medical and mental health care. The role is based at a designated ICE detention facility or ICE office and supports ERO Field Office and facility staff in their daily duties. The position is located in Laredo, Texas. It requires a bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, or an equivalent field, and fluency in English and Spanish. A master's or equivalent advanced degree is preferred but not required. The CRC must maintain current certification in American Heart Association Basic Life Support or American Red Cross CPR/BLS, and provide evidence of a negative TB skin test and immunization against Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, and Influenza. Candidates must be U.S. citizens and receive favorable fitness determinations from the Department of Homeland Security Personnel Security Unit. This full-time position is Monday through Friday on day shift, with specific hours determined by ERO HQ and the Field Office. Workday and/or overnight travel may be required, especially during surge support in crisis situations; travel is reimbursed.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, or an equivalent degree from an institution or program accredited by an entity recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Fluency in spoken and written English and Spanish.
At least two years of related experience, such as providing services to victims, trauma-informed programming, or working with immigrants or foreign-born individuals.
Knowledge of program objectives, policies, procedures, and requirements for conducting a local-level case management program.
Experience working with victims or individuals in confinement or custodial settings.
At least two years of experience providing services to vulnerable populations.
Experience and understanding of circumstances that contribute to family or individual stress, problems, and crises.
Knowledge of case management commensurate with training and education at least at the bachelor’s level.
Ability to work in a multicultural and multilingual environment and use telephonic interpreter or translation services when needed.
Ability to adapt to sudden schedule changes and flexible work requirements.
Proficient English verbal and written communication skills and ability to establish positive rapport with patients, coworkers, and stakeholders.
Ability to maintain positive working relationships in a multidisciplinary environment.
Ability to navigate electronic work environments, including electronic health records, web-based training, and communications.
Moderate proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint, and ability to operate a PC with standard business software.
Strong oral and written communication, project creation and management, interpersonal, and critical-thinking skills; cultural competency; integrity and honesty.
U.S. citizenship and favorable DHS Personnel Security Unit fitness determinations, including a complete favorable determination upon completion of initial and subsequent background investigations.
Maintain current American Heart Association Basic Life Support or American Red Cross CPR/BLS certification.
Provide proof of a negative TB skin test and immunization against Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, and Influenza.
Ability to perform duties in a stressful and often austere environment without physical limitations, including standing on hard surfaces for long periods.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree or equivalent advanced degree.
Experience in a detention, correctional, or residential healthcare setting.

Responsibilities

Assist with detained noncitizens’ needs, requests, and complaints concerning non-officer and non-immigration-case issues.
Assist ERO officers with requests related to parent-child communication and child welfare involvement.
Facilitate disability accommodations on site and coordinate follow-up with detention facilities when requested by ERO.
Support ERO and detention facility staff in facilitating compliance with agency policies and detention standards.
Facilitate discussions with detained noncitizens on topics including sexual abuse and assault allegations, pregnancy, segregated housing and special management units, and admission and release.
Address staff questions and concerns about individual noncitizens and available services.
Refer noncitizens to appropriate ERO and facility staff for care and follow-up, including medical, mental health, and chaplain services.
Support noncitizens with specialized needs, and conduct wellness checks and follow-ups when requested by ERO Field Office or ERO HQ.
Meet with newly detained noncitizens during or after intake to answer questions, address concerns, and provide an orientation to the facility and CRC services.
Assist ERO Field Offices with specialized housing, programs, and services for vulnerable populations, including transgender housing, behavioral or mental health units, family residential centers, family reunification, and young adult case management.
Provide language interpretation for facility and ERO staff communicating with detained noncitizens.
Provide general support as needed to help maintain detention facility safety and security.
Assist with removal planning for noncitizens by researching referrals and resources in their home countries and developing individualized departure plans.
Assist with release planning by researching referrals and resources in the United States, communicating with family members, arranging medical or mental health care, and identifying housing, shelter, or institutional placement options.
Develop and maintain a national resource database for CRC and ERO Officer use in facilitating the release and removal of noncitizens from ICE custody.