Child Welfare Specialist

Child Welfare Specialist Child Safety Verification Program | Field-Based / Nationwide Organization: Coastal International Security Program: Child Safety Verification Program Location: Field-Based / Nationwide Compensation: $60,000 - $70,000 / year Citizenship: U.S. Citizens Clearance: Federal Background Investigation Required ROLE OVERVIEW 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. KEY 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 REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 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 PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 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 MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS - ALL CANDIDATES 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 Note: Roles requiring access to government IT systems require U.S. Citizenship (not LPR) Coastal International Security is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.