Senior Home Study Case Worker/Post-Release Service Case Manager

GET TO KNOW US:

For over 100 years, Vista Del Mar Child & Family Services (VDM) has taken great pride in providing exceptional programs and services for children and families throughout LA County. VDM envisions a community where all children and families are equipped and prepared to live productive, fulfilling lives. We serve the most vulnerable in Los Angeles, many of whom have faced multi-generational inequities. Vista Del Mar is guided by core values of empowerment, equity, and excellence.

CULTURE:

At Vista Del Mar, our success is empowered by our staff, families, residents, and clients. We believe in the inclusion and liberation of marginalized communities, standing in unity for justice and recognizing long-standing systemic oppression. We acknowledge we are part of an unjust system and strongly advocate to change oppressive systems and the unconscious bias that affect staff, clients, and families in all communities. Vista is committed to developing a culture of healing, community care, and creating a sense of belonging. Our actions will be louder than our words.

Folks who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, LGBTQ+, of a marginalized gender, disabled, parents, are/have been system-impacted, are immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression, and/or gender-based violence are encouraged to apply.

MISSION:

Vista Del Mar provides a trauma-responsive continuum of services to empower children, youth, and families in Southern California to lead fulfilling lives.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Senior Home Study Case Worker/Post-Release Service Case Manager (Senior HSPRSCM) is responsible for conducting comprehensive home studies and providing comprehensive case management services to unaccompanied alien children (UAC) who have been released from federal custody and placed with approved sponsors.

Additionally, you will conduct comprehensive home studies for Sponsors who are seeking placement for a UAC. Your primary objective will be to conduct ongoing virtual and in-person assessments to ensure the well-being, safety, and successful integration of these youth into the community by coordinating essential services, resources, and support.

Essential Job Duties (other duties may be assigned):

• Assessment and Planning: Conduct virtual and in-person home visits for the dual purpose of assessing a Sponsor through a comprehensive home study and providing post release services to UAC while assessing for safety and appropriateness of child's placement with their caregiver (sponsor) and connecting the UAC to services in the community to address risk factors.
• Case Management: Provide ongoing case management services to UAC, including assistance with accessing education, medical care, mental health services, legal assistance, and other essential resources.
• Advocacy: Serve as an advocate for the rights and well-being of UACs, ensuring that they receive fair and appropriate treatment within the community and addressing any issues or concerns promptly.
• Crisis Intervention: Be prepared to respond to crises and emergencies affecting UACs, working in collaboration with emergency services and appropriate agencies as necessary. Provide entry level colleagues with assistance on how to respond to crisis and emergencies as needed.
• Education and Life Skills: Assist youth in enrolling in educational programs, accessing tutoring, and developing life skills essential for self-sufficiency.
• Cultural Humility: Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and understanding when working with UAC from diverse backgrounds, including immigrants and refugees.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, progress notes, and reports, ensuring compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. Assist colleagues with preparing and finalizing Home Study reports and PRS reports as needed.
• Community Partnerships: Collaborate with local organizations, service providers, and community resources to enhance the support network available to unaccompanied minors. Assist colleagues navigate through researching resources for UC and Sponsors as needed.
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with colleagues, including social workers, counselors, and legal professionals, to provide comprehensive care and support to youth. Act as a mentor to entry level HSPRSCMs to help them understand and ensure they know how to navigate through the UC Portal process. Additionally, it provides opportunities for entry level HSPRSCM to shadow delivery of direct services to UC and Sponsors.
• Training and Development: Stay informed about changes in immigration policies, laws, and regulations, and participate in relevant training and professional development activities. Participate in a meeting with the Area Supervisor/Lead Case Manager, Administrative Assistant and Program Director to assist with developing policies and procedures as needed.

What you bring to VDM?

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field (master’s degree preferred);
• Relevant 1 year of experience in case management within child welfare programs, preferably with immigrant or refugee populations.
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to connect families to community services
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Cultural humility and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Bilingual proficiency in both English and Spanish.
• Commitment to the organization's mission and values.
• Ability to travel up to 70%
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
•  A valid California driver’s license, proof of current automobile insurance.

Salary: $74,880-$76,378 / annually

What Can We Offer You for All Your Hard Work?

• Full benefits offered (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• FSA/Dependent Care and Supplemental benefits through The Standard
• 403(b) – 3% Employer contribution based off annual salary
• 4 Mental Health Days
• Up to 12 Paid Holidays
• Up to 25% for Cell Phone Discounts with 3 Major Carriers (AT&T, Verizon, Sprint)

Vista Del Mar’s Credentials:

Our nationally recognized clinical programs have been awarded a Gold Seal by the Joint Commission, the highest level of accreditation possible. In addition, our educational facilities are fully accredited through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC), and our graduate degree program is recognized worldwide for its high quality of instructions.

Equal Employment Statement

Vista Del Mar is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. Therefore, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Vista Del Mar will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations as part of this commitment.