Easter Seals Jobs

Who We Are:

National Youth Advocate Program has been serving communities and clients since 1978 and we continue to grow each year. Our growth allows us to expand and develop new and innovative programs to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve. We offer unique and personalized services for families and individuals in four areas: Prevention/Intervention, Positive Youth Development, Out-of-Home-Placement, and Reunification/Permanency.

We know you are compassionate and dedicated to serving your clients and communities and NYAP is dedicated to providing support to those who join our team! We look for individuals that are ready to make a direct impact and are excited to be an instrument in supporting the needs of our children, youth and families.

Working At NYAP

• NYAP's commitment to doing what is best for children, youth and their families is a core value and one that we look for in our newest team members.

• Student Loan Repayment assistance , up to $1,200 per year!

• 22 Days Off Each Year! Plus 10 Paid Holidays Per Year!

• Medical, Dental, and Vision

• Competitive salaries and benefits including a 401(k), Summer Hours Off (reduced work schedule) , Tuition Assistance, and Work Anniversary Trips !

Position Summary

The National Youth Advocate Program (NYAP) provides culturally appropriate, trauma-informed, comprehensive services to children in the care of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).

NYAP is looking for a Bi-lingual Case Manager I for a Transitional Foster Care (TFC) Program, to work with children who are fleeing their country of origin and arrive in the U.S. without a parent or legal guardian. Arriving children are temporarily placed in programs throughout the US, and then released to sponsors in local communities. NYAP works in collaboration with Federal agencies to provide case management services to arriving minors, so they can be reunified with caregivers in the US.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Case Manager I 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. The 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 I 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;

• Participate in the Continuous Quality Improvement activities on a weekly/monthly/quarterly basis;

• Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bilingual (English-Spanish). Fluency in Spanish required. 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.

• Master's degree in social work, or

• One year of graduate work in an accredited graduate school of social work or its equivalent and at least 2 years supervised experience in family or child welfare, or

• College graduation and at least 3 years of supervised experience in family and child welfare with 12 graduate credits in social work plus approved in-service training.

• Must demonstrate a sincere commitment to the service and advocacy for youth and families

• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, automotive insurance, and a good driving record.

• Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, internet search, people management programs, smart phones and tablets, printers, fax machines and photocopiers as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet and database programs. Must possess a valid state driver’s license and be eligible to drive to facilitate program services as required by contractual agreement.

• 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 at least 21 years of age at the time of hire.

• Physical Demands:

• 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. Bending, stooping and lifting up to 15 lbs required to complete daily tasks.

• Job requires extended periods of sitting; use of various office equipment.

OTHER SKILLS

• 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.

• Attend all organizational required trainings.

• Attend all departmental and program meetings to ensure that up-to-date information is received and/or information of policy changes or practice are adhered to.

• Attend training that will enhance professional growth in the area of 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.

The qualified candidate will follow a team concept and support agency goals, colleagues and ORR liaisons. Candidate must be able to effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, disability, religious, and racial backgrounds.

COVID-19 Considerations:

We are safely and successfully working out in the community and in-home settings.

Covid-19 Vaccination Note:

In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, NYAP is strongly encouraging all employees become fully vaccinated against COVID by November 1, 2021. Documentation will be required. The State of IL has a separate mandate. For More Information Click Here (https://www.illinois.gov/government/executive-orders/executive-order.executive-order-number-22.2021.html)

The person in this position needs to follow a team concept and support both agency goals and co-workers. Employees must be able to effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds.

COVID-19 Considerations:

We are safely and successfully working out in the community and in group home settings.

Our organization was established in Ohio and is now in 10 states. We continue to expand and develop new and innovative programs for our communities and families. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes major medical, dental, vision, 401K, student loan assistance and generous paid time off. If YOU can envision it; WE can DO it! The possibilities are endless!

The person in this position needs to follow a team concept and support both agency goals and co-workers. Employees must be able to effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans.