United States of America: Unaccompanied Children Caseworker

Background: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a global leader in emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC is on the ground in over 35 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees, and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through 29 regional offices in cities across the United States, we help refugees and other immigrants to resettle in the U.S. and become self-sufficient.

Job Overview: The caseworker will provide services to unaccompanied minors who have entered the United States without their parents and without proper legal documentation. These children are held in a government shelter before being released to a family member or family friend, who will serve as the child’s legal sponsor. The caseworker will conduct home studies and post-release services as required by a federal grant and will complete all necessary documentation. To ensure that the children are living in a safe environment and integrating well into their new community, the caseworker will be responsible for connecting them to appropriate services and resources. This position is full-time and non-exempt.

Major Responsibilities: Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ensure client success with a strong emphasis on empowerment through high quality service that supports clients to thrive in their community.
• Assess and provide a recommendation for the purpose of reunifying children with their potential sponsors, including conducting interviews and background checks and documenting findings in a comprehensive report within 10 days of referral.
• Complete home visits in a timely manner to meet with children and their sponsors post-release.
• Coordinate referrals and service planning in relevant areas.
• Work with children and their sponsors to encourage and ensure progress through their individual service plans.
• Continually assess ongoing changes in behavior and general conditions that could impact the safety of a participant.
• Build and maintain relationships with community services providers in relevant areas.
• Serve as point person for stakeholders in each family’s case, including legal providers.
• Participate in regular case management and staffing meetings.
• Maintain accurate records and consistently ensure the confidentiality of information relevant to children and their cases.
• Submit required reports and documentation in a timely manner.
• Ensure client safety by providing crisis intervention when necessary, including involving Child Protective Services.
• Other duties as required

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Deputy Director
Position directly supervises: N/A

Indirect Reporting: The Unaccompanied Children Caseworker coordinates closely with the IRC’s Regional Coordinator**
Other Internal and/or external contacts: **Social services, legal representation, immigration court, and other providers throughout the service area

Job Requirements:

• Strong commitment to ensuring the success of the IRC mission while adhering to the values of service, accountability, and integrity as defined in the IRC Way.
• Required - Minimum education of a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or an equivalent degree in education, psychology, sociology, or other behavioral science. MSW strongly preferred.
• Required - Experience working with children, family reunification/ preservation, and or foster care/child welfare
• Required - Bilingual ability in English and Spanish.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write reports and business correspondence.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
• Self- starter with excellent problem solving skills combined with the ability to prioritize duties and manage time effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Valid driver’s license, access to reliable vehicle with current insurance.
• Ability to travel independently throughout relevant region. .
• Ability to work during non-traditional hours such as evenings and weekends as needed.

Working Environment*:* Office environment, visits to client homes and partner agencies in service area; some additional travel throughout Florida may be occasionally required.

https://rescue.csod.com/ats/careersite/jobdetails.aspx?site=1&c=rescue&id=3584