PRS Case Aide Advisor

at  YMCA of Greater Houston

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Bilingual Case Aide will provide administrative and case support to staff providing Post Release Services (PRS) to Unaccompanied Children (UC) and their sponsors. This position will report to the Regional Supervisor.

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;