GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Youth & Family Reunification Caseworker will provide case management and supportive services in fluent Spanish to unaccompanied immigrant children released from federal custody and their caregivers as part of Office of Refugee Resettlement services. This is a component in the assessment for family reunification to ensure the minor has been or will be released into a safe home environment.
In keeping with the mission, vision, and Catholic identity of Catholic Charities of Louisville, the said person demonstrates the Welcome, Empower, and Strengthen values of the agency.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND TASKS:
- Conduct home visits and phone contacts with the dual purpose of assessing safety and appropriateness of child’s placement with their caregiver (sponsor) and connecting child to services in the community to address risk factors.
- Ongoing case management with a focus on screening and making appropriate referrals to address child’s needs in the following domains: Placement issues, safety issues, education, health, mental health, legal/immigration proceedings, substance abuse, independent living, criminal/juvenile justice, child enrichment activities.
- Provide crisis intervention services directly, as needed, or connect family to services to ensure minor’s safety and well-being in a crisis situation.
- Submit detailed and thorough documentation in compliance with LIRS policies and procedures.
- Utilize social work best practices for thorough assessments of child’s progress and services provided.
- Maintain regular and timely communication with supervisors around any issues concerning the child’s safety, stability, or well-being in placement.
- Identify local medical/mental health/education/legal resources to assist with social support for sponsors and minors.
- Maintain confidentiality and appropriately handle sensitive information in compliance with HIPAA standards
- Participate in monitoring visits conducted by Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS)
- All other duties assigned by the Assistant Director.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
- Bachelor’s degree required. Social work or similar degree preferred.
- 1-2 years of relevant work experience, preferably with immigrant populations and/or child welfare programs
SPECIALIZED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:
- Ability to read, write and understand the English language Fluency in English and Spanish required.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
- Ability to travel regionally up to 70% of the time up to 200 miles outside Jefferson County with mileage reimbursement.
- Must be able to pass an FBI background check as well as a CA/N check for every state in which they have resided in the last five years.
- Must possess reliable personal vehicles and be willing to use personal vehicles transporting clients to various locations within the service area if an agency vehicle is not available.
- Must have a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
- Excellent clinical and crisis intervention skills.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills to interact successfully with colleagues, clients, volunteers, and service providers.
- Be able to set boundaries with clients and be professional and compassionate.
- Must be people oriented and relate to varied ethnic populations.
- If English is the second language, the person must have acceptable proficiency in listening and reading comprehension as well as oral and written communication in English.
- Flexible schedule to meet work, program and project deadlines including nights and weekends.
- Ability to work independently, establish priorities and exercise sound judgment to complex, sensitive and confidential situations
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.