PRS Family Support Specialist

at  YMCA of Greater Houston

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Family Support Specialist will provide Home Study (HS) and Post Release Services (PRS) for Unaccompanied Children (UC). This position will report to the Regional Supervisor. This position is hybrid and is based in 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 Family Support Specialist 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

• Masters of Social Work, a behavioral science, or social services field, with at least two years’ progressive experience in the fields listed above; or a Bachelor’s degree in social work, a behavioral science, or social services field with a minimum of three years’ progressive experience in the fields listed above
• Experience in child welfare, child placements, family preservation and social service provision is desired
• Must be skilled at writing professional, thorough assessment reports
• 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
• Position requires up to 50 percent long distance travel with limited notice
• Position is remote and the candidate must have an appropriate workspace to complete 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 requirement 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

Family Support Specialist primary responsibilities include:

• Conduct time-sensitive and thorough home study assessments for potential placements for UC, including background interviews, home assessment, and case analysis
• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate post placement services and comprehensive case management for UC
• Carry a case minimum caseload of 15 PRS cases and an active HS at all time
• Conduct brief interventions to help families address crises and manage conflict, as needed
• Complete individualized needs assessments with UC and sponsor, and develop case plans with particular attention to culture, language, and special circumstances
• 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
• Perform all other duties as needed and/or as directed by supervisor including airport pickup of newly arrived refugees