Case Manager, ILP/Education

at  Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County

POSITION SUMMARY:

In this role, the ILP/Education Case Manager will provide case management services to children and youth with a focus on teaching independent living skills and supporting K-12 and postsecondary educational/vocational goals. We are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual with good organizational skills, strong education advocacy skills, adaptable teaching strategies (culturally-appropriate, trauma-informed) to help youth achieve their goals. This is a unique opportunity to join a dedicated and mission-driven team working collaboratively to support unaccompanied refugee minors in foster care.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, sociology, psychology, or any related field preferred, OR combination of relevant experience and education to perform the necessary job duties
• Experience working with newcomer populations, youth and young adults, or youth in foster care

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Excellent cross-cultural skills and ability to work well with diverse populations
• Ability to work well as a member of a multidisciplinary team
• Trauma-informed practices
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and multitask
• Excellent oral and written English skills
• Excellent computers skills: MS Office (all apps) and Google Workspace

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least one year working with English Language Learners (ELL) and experience navigating the public education system
• Knowledge of CA State child welfare services regulations and education rights
• Multilingual in one or more languages commonly spoken by program clients (Arabic, French, Spanish, Swahili, Tigrinya, Oromo, Amharic, Burmese, Hindi, Farsi, Dari, etc.)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to work at a desk for extended periods of time
• Ability to use a computer workstation
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs
• Ability to travel/drive within Santa Clara County

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

• Criminal background check via livescan fingerprint
• Must have TB test performed and submit results
• Provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster status
• Automobile, valid driver’s license and auto insurance per agency policy; or have access to reliable transportation.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide independent living skills training to clients in individual and small group format
• Provide postsecondary education assistance, including support with college applications, college enrollment, vocational training enrollment, and academic and career exploration
• Teach Independent Living Program (ILP) classes one Saturday each month and financial literacy classes in collaboration with the ILP Coordinator, Education Coordinator, and ILP/Education Case Manager
• Design and provide services in accordance with each client’s Transitional Independent Living Plan (TILP) and Needs and Services Plan (NSP)
• Conduct Casey Life Skills Assessments to identify clients’ independent living skills level
• Support post-18 “transition to adulthood” planning
• Provide education case management services and act as the educational rights holder for minor clients on assigned caseload
• Enroll assigned clients in school (K-12 and Adult School, GED, HiSET, ESL) and provide educational planning in collaboration with academic counselors
• Participate in school meetings, IEP and 504 Plan meetings, and request educational assessments and accommodations
• Serve as the primary contact for schools and monitor academic progress, attendance, and participation by meeting with school counselors at least once per semester
• Assist with school enrollment and connect youth to additional school-based services
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team (social workers, case managers, mental health providers, legal coordinator, parent partner) and resource parents to promote the best interests of the clients
• Develop and maintain community resource connections and partnerships to best serve the independent living and education/vocational needs of the youth
• Record services and maintain client files in the agency’s electronic client records system AWARDS
• Assist with post-arrival activities and cultural adjustment
• Provide transportation to support ILP, education, and case management needs
• Support client development towards self-sufficiency
• Attend Child and Family Team Meetings
• Recruit and train foster parents
• Perform other duties as assigned