Unaccompanied Children Caseworker

Job Description

Job Overview: Under the supervision of IRC Los Angeles Integration Manager, 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 in California 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; travel throughout California is required.

Major Responsibilities: Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

· 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 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.

· Provide crisis intervention when necessary, including involving Child Protective Services.

· Other duties as required

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Integration Manager Position directly supervises: N/A

Liaison: The Unaccompanied Children Caseworker coordinates closely with the IRC’s Regional Coordinator Other Internal and/or external contacts: IRC Integration Team, other IRC Los Angeles Programs, Social services, legal representation, immigration court, and other providers throughout the service area.

Job Requirements:

· Required - Minimum education of a bachelor’s degree in social work (BSW) or an equivalent degree in education, psychology, sociology, or other behavioral science

· Required - Experience working with children, family reunification/ preservation, kinship care, foster care, child welfare, conducting home studies

· 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

· Experience working with immigrant populations

· Knowledge of local community social services

· 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), Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other platforms

· Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance

· Ability to travel independently throughout relevant region (Orange, Los Angeles, Kern, San Bernardino/Riverside and other areas)

· Ability to work during non-traditional hours such as evenings and weekends as needed

Working Environment:

· Remote/hybrid work during current COVID-19 phase

· Standard office environment at IRC’s office in Glendale, CA

· Limited flexible workplace available with approval

· Travel for home visits and partner agencies in service area

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The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

IRC et les employés de IRC doivent adhérer aux valeurs et principes contenus dans le IRC WAY (normes de conduite professionnelle). Ce sont l’Intégrité, le Service, et la Responsabilité. En conformité avec ces valeurs, IRC opère et fait respecter les politiques sur la protection des bénéficiaires contre l’exploitation et les abus, la protection de l’enfant, le harcèlement sur les lieux de travail, l’intégrité financière, et les représailles.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law****.

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