PRS Case Aide Advisor

at  YMCA of Greater Houston

AGENCY DESCRIPTION

YMCA International Services is a unique branch of the Y of Greater Houston and seeks to meet the needs of Houston’s significant refugee and immigrant communities. We provide comprehensive programs that focus on building human assets and fostering self-sufficiency. YMCA International Services seeks a full-time Bilingual Case Aide to work with USCRI’s Nuevo Comienzo Immigrant Children’s Program, to provide Home Study (HS) and Post Release Services (PRS) for Unaccompanied Children (UC).

REQUIREMENTS

• Associate’s degree with a minimum of 1 year of experience working with children. Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, International Studies, or a related humanitarian field is preferred.
• Experience with immigrant populations, child welfare, child placements, family preservation and social service provision is desired;
• Must possess an extensive knowledge of immigrant community local resources;
• Excellent organizational, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, and ability to prioritize duties in a fast-paced environment;
• Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, a clean driving record, and personal transportation;
• documentation, client phone calls, and video conferencing;
• Fluency in Spanish is required; proficiency in additional languages a plus;
• Candidate must demonstrate a commitment to comply with mandatory state reporting requirements for child abuse and neglect;
• Candidate must have dedication to the human rights of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers and displaced people;
• Candidate must pass a criminal background check that includes past history of conviction of child and sexual abuse;
• Possess or be able to obtain CPR and basic first aid certification;
• Must be able to complete a tuberculosis examination or provide a current record of a tuberculosis examination, as per funder requirement.

Case Aide primary responsibilities include:

• Conduct routine calls to clients to assist with coordination of services and assess for safety;
• Conduct outreach with local community agencies to identify appropriate community resources for clients, ensuring they are culturally and linguistically appropriate;
• Assist in completing applications and referral forms;
• Accompany clients (or provide telephonic support) to facilitate school enrollment and access to community resources, as needed;
• Provide ongoing administrative support to PRS workers;
• Maintain a high standard of record-keeping according to USCRI and ORR policies and procedures.
• Provide information, education, referrals, outreach, advocacy, and support to ensure that each child receives the services they require;
• Assess the safety and appropriateness of the placement on an ongoing basis using child welfare principles and social work best practices through phone/video calls, interviews, and home visits;
• Build a network of local pro bono legal resources and service providers to facilitate access for UC and sponsors, and track individual progress;
• Coordinate and maintain communication with key stakeholders;
• Participate in regular training and communication sessions with supervisor and headquarters staff; and
• Perform all other duties as needed and/or as directed by supervisor including airport pickup of newly arrived refugees.