The mission of NVFS is to empower individuals and families to improve their quality of life and to promote community cooperation and support in responding to family needs. The Family Reunification Program provides home studies and post release services for unaccompanied minors and their families at their release from the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) care.
The Youth Counselor will provide community-based case management services (individual and family). This position entails conducting home studies of the sponsor’s homes and providing post release services which include developing goals and outcomes, providing clinical consultation and psycho-education regarding behavioral and mental health issues, providing cultural orientation, interfacing with collateral providers, and linking clients with resources. The Youth Counselor will work with referred youths’ parents or guardians to increase effective communication and appropriate limit-setting, provide education about the signs of negative behaviors, and provide information about the ways families can support their children. Referrals for any needed services are provided, ensuring that families are connected to a supportive network and formal and informal resources in their community. In addition, the Youth Counselor may provide some group services and workshops to recently immigrated youth in the school and/or community.
Essential Job Duties:
• Conduct home visits and phone contacts with the dual purpose of assessing safety and appropriateness of child’s placement with his/her caregiver (sponsor) and connecting child to services in the community to address risk factors.
• Perform ongoing case management with a focus on screening and making appropriate referrals to address child’s needs in the following domains: placement issues, safety issues, education, health, mental health, legal/immigration proceedings, substance abuse, independent living, juvenile/criminal justice, and child enrichment activities.
• Provide crisis intervention services directly, as needed, or connect family to services to ensure minor’s safety and well-being in a crisis situation.
• Submit detailed and thorough documentation in compliance with policies and procedures. Utilize social work best practices for thorough assessments of child’s progress and services provided.
• Provide life skills education and intervention in accordance with client’s goal plan and resource needs.
• Participate in planning and implementation of group-based activities for Youth Initiatives clients.
• Initiate and maintain collaborative contact with other providers working with the youth and their family, including the referral source, and appropriate school personnel in order to effectively coordinate service delivery and monitor client’s progress towards goals.
• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with other community partners.
Education and experience required:
• Bachelor’s degree in social work or other relevant degree required; master’s degree in social work preferred
• At least 2 years of related direct service experience in child welfare, human services, youth development, and/or working with at-risk youth
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of immigrant families and youth Comprehensive assessment, critical analysis and case management skills
• Oral and written proficiency in English, with Spanish proficiency required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Clean DMV record; valid U.S. driver’s license and own/reliable transportation
• Ability to work a flexible schedule; evening, weekend, and on-call availability required
• Must be comfortable with undesirable home conditions
• Successful completion of background checks required upon hire
This description is intended to describe the essential job functions and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a person so classified.
Please submit a letter of intent and resume to careers@nvfs.org.
