Bilingual Case Manager - Rfs

job description

The Bilingual Case Manager provides culturally appropriate case management services to ensure the safe return and reunification of unaccompanied youth in care. They interact with the Department of Children Services (DCS) to review intake and transition of youth, and ensure legal representation is assessed for each youth when appropriate.

The Bilingual Case Manager maintains contacts and furthers potential reunification with the family or supportive others, including those in the home country of youth in care. They model a caring, healthy, and secure environment for youth and employees and demonstrate an interest in youth developing healthy coping skills.

essential duties

Program Delivery

1. Know the requirements of and collaborate and maintain a healthy working relationship with all contract sites and employees of the Department of Children Services (DCS).
2. Respond and prioritize accordingly to emergent client needs.
3. Ensure all interpreted materials shared with youth are in the youth’s language, is culturally appropriate and meets the placement needs of the youth.
4. Contribute to a positive and affirming community atmosphere and model healthy conflict resolution.
5. Provide written daily and weekly notes and client and program updates to other program employees.
6. Train employees in the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) data case management issues as requested.
7. Attend and participate in weekly meetings with employees for consultation, goal planning, review and to share information on reunification and transfers. 8. Meet weekly with the Manager to gain direction and discuss programmatic updates, concerns, and any barriers to completing contracted services.

Case Management Tasks

1. Screen applicants for initial mental health or special needs as per Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) tools and refer immediately to the Manager and Mental Health Therapist.

2. Provide strength-based case management services and ensure goal setting is client centered Provide weekly individual case management sessions with clients.

3. Collaborate with the Manager and Mental Health Therapist on goals and plan accordingly for a successful youth transition, including the involvement of family (when appropriate), sponsors, community resources and other supports.

4. Maintain an assigned caseload, conduct intake interviews to assess the need for service, and obtain appropriate information for placement and tracking for referral and reunification, on an ongoing scheduled and unscheduled basis.

5. Track intake and exit paperwork, coordinate case planning and transportation, provide or obtain translation services, and ensure youth meets all immigration related court appointments and requirements.

6. Document and track transition of needed services and ensure services are provided with the fewest possible barriers.

7. Provide and document weekly individual case management sessions with youth to help determine appropriate placement and reunification options. Provide detailed notes in the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) database system and Unaccompanied Child (UC) file for each meeting.

8. Organize and submit all required reports on the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) including:

• Intake and Exit Paperwork
• Assessment and Service Plans
• Trafficking and Cognitive Screens
• Authorization for Placement
• Family Reunification Packet/Sponsor Background Checks
• Case Management Notes g. Monthly ORR Census Report, Quarterly Narratives and Summaries as requested.

9. Participate in agency and professional group training and conferences to increase professional knowledge. Note that contract adherence training is mandatory.

job requirements

a. Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a human-service field preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant working experience, including supporting youth.
• Experience providing case management services with an emphasis on trauma-informed, positive youth development.
• Experience utilizing effective prevention and de-escalation techniques.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish and experience of Spanish culture required.

b. Additional Requirements

• Must be 21 years or older.
• Must satisfactorily pass criminal history check.
• Must satisfactorily pass tuberculosis (TB) test.
• Must have reliable transportation and a valid Washington State driver's license (or be able to obtain one by date of employment).
• Employees and volunteers who operate their own or Friends of Youth vehicles on Friends of Youth business, must have a safe driving record as defined by Friends of Youth.
• Employees and volunteers who operate their own vehicle(s) on Friends of Youth business must carry auto liability insurance that complies with the requirements of Friends of Youth.
• Must successfully complete the following health certification requirements within 30 days of employment: CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens.
• Proof of the following vaccinations: COVID-19, Influenza, MMR, Varicella and Tdap are required. There are no exemptions.

c. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Able to engage with diverse populations in a culturally responsive manner.
• Demonstrate a commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion by honoring and celebrating diverse characteristics and expressions of personal identity.
• Strong commitment to Friends of Youth’s mission, vision, and values.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Able to maintain strong personal and professional boundaries.
• Able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Able to establish and maintain positive working relationships with youth.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, harm reduction philosophy. and strengths-based practice.
• Proficient skill set with Microsoft Office programs.