Bilingual Case Manager - JOR

Bilingual Case Manager - JOR

The Case Manager for La Jornada is responsible for the completion and submission of timely assessments and service plans, ensuring document uploads into ORR's UC Portal and maintaining required comprehensive case files compliant with ORR Policy and NYAP's CQI Team. Case Manager I is required to maintain a flexible, organized and efficient work schedule and is subject to work extended hours, weekends, and be on-call.

The Case Manager will perform duties including, but not limited to:

• Perform all work in a manner consistent with the National Youth Advocate Program's Mission, Values and Philosophies.
• Ensure case management assessments are completed within ORR's allotted timeframes.
• Conduct on-site admission and initial intake interviews of youth to include gathering familial, possible sponsorship information and to establish age of the youth.
• Conduct interviews of sponsors/family members, friends of family to vet sponsor's ability to care for the minor(s).
• Act as UC case POC for assigned Federal Field Specialist, Case Coordinator and Contract Field Specialist.
• Prepare case for, conduct and lead pre staffing process with multidisciplinary team of professionals including case managers, clinical counselors, medical coordinators and other designated stakeholders.
• Attend staffing(s) with Case Coordinators, Federal Field Specialists and other ORR stakeholders as needed.
• Coordinate with local pro bono attorneys for the timely provision of "Know Your Rights" presentations and legal screenings to children in care.
• Work with program administration, clinical, medical and educational staff in identifying best case management practices while maintaining a collaborative multi-disciplinary environment.
• Work to ensure children in care are provided a safe environment and safe and timely release from ORR care pursuant to ORR MAP Section 2; this may include completing online address searches, obtaining birth certificates to prove relationship, income verifications, background checks, and other actions to ensure proper vetting of the Sponsor, household members and adult caregivers.
• Document all actions taken and contacts with youth, sponsor, and stakeholders in the form of progress notes as required by NYAP.
• Complete and submit reunification packets and Release Requests for initial review to Lead Case Manager or Program designee.
• Submit completed reunification packet with appropriate referral made by Case Manager for the timely release of youth to designated sponsor, including referrals for home studies and post release services (PRS).
• Provide weekly face to face updates to youth and telephonic updates to family members/sponsor.
• Ensure the provision of two weekly telephonic contacts with family in the US or COO, primary caregiver and/or sponsor.
• Facilitate incoming calls to minors with the appropriate family members and other approved caregivers.
• Facilitate attorney to client contact as requested by youth.
• Coordinate weekly treatment team meetings with representatives from all departments at the Program.
• Establish and maintain a strong relationship with assigned foster parents, attend meetings with foster parents and act as program liaison with foster caregivers.
• Drive children to facilitate program services, may include transportation to court appointments, attorney visits, other appointments as needed per contractual duties; this may also include transporting youth within the United States for reunification purposes.
• Coordinate case management and family reunification services for children, including active involvement in discharge planning.
• Actively participate in documenting safety plans and Post 18 age out plans.
• Oversee and/ or actively participate in the process of reporting significant incidents (SIRs) in accordance with existing policies and procedures.
• Ensure maintenance of UC electronic and physical files, including uploading documents in UC Portal, Evolve, and maintaining the corresponding physical file.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, Counseling or other social service field. One (1) year experience preferred working with children and adolescents or in the youth services field. (volunteer and internship experienced included).
• Excellent case management, verbal and written communication skills. Critical assessment and analysis skills. Motivated, organized, flexible and able to navigate multiple service priorities. Ability to work under stress and multitasking.
• Must demonstrate a sincere commitment to the service and advocacy for youth and families
• Required to work a flexible schedule to facilitate program services, including working on call schedules which includes weekends and evenings.
• Cleared Level II background check from appropriate entity.
• Must be able to obtain Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) certification and First Aid Certification (CPR).
• Must be able to supervise clients indoors and outdoors as necessary.
• Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, smartphones and tablets, printers, fax machines, and photocopiers, as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database programs.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish). Fluency in Spanish is required.
• Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,000/300,000 bodily liability coverage.
• 21 years of age, a valid state driver's license, a reliable personal vehicle, and a good driving record.

Other Skills

• A willingness to work flexible and non-traditional hours in the service of foster caregivers, families of origin, and persons served.
• Must be able to work 8 UC cases with minimal supervision but may increase depending on sponsor category and other factors.
• Attending all organizational required trainings.
• Attending all departmental and program meetings to ensure that up-to-date information is received and/or information on policy changes or practices is adhered to.
• Attending training that will enhance professional growth in case manager and documentation or other topics as deemed appropriate by the program director.
• Must assist in the evacuation of youth as needed due to inclement weather conditions, natural disasters, or other unforeseen occurrences.
• Travel as needed for trainings, conferences or to transport youth to destinations located within the U.S.
• Maintain a safe, clean and hazard-free work area.
• Follow ORR, CDC, and State Covid 19 related protocols.
• Ensure the proper supervision of youth at all times.
• Able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as assigned.
• Capacity to be flexible and responsive to youth served, foster caregivers, system partners, and internal/external stakeholders.
• Capacity to remain objective and professional in all areas of job function.
• Demonstrates tolerance and respect for the ideas and actions of others.
• Possess a sincere desire and ability to advocate for children facing behavioral health, immigration, educational, legal, development, and socio-economic challenges.

Physical Demands

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.
• Ability to travel frequently and drive vehicle while sitting for extended periods, with frequency varying based on program demands.
• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer who celebrates diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees by prohibiting discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.