Home Study Case Worker - Rising Ground, Inc

Overview

The Passage of Hope (POH) HS/PRS Program provides case management and other supportive services to Unaccompanied Children (UC) who are currently under legal custody of the Federal Government or who have completed the reunification process and are now residing in the community with their sponsors. Working in collaboration with the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, our HS/PRS program provides support and assistance to families in need of Home Study Services, and families in need of Post Release Services (PRS).  For PRS Services we link children and their families with an array of community services that will help them achieve success and permanency in the United States so they are able to move forward with their lives and thrive.

Rising Ground

Founded as an orphanage in 1831, Rising Ground has been at the forefront of evolving community needs as a leading non-profit human services organization. Driven by the belief that each of us can thrive when life has hope and opportunity, Rising Ground provides caring support and proven paths to positive change, helping children, adults, and families rise above adversity, and each year, Rising Ground is a positive force in the lives of more than 25,000 individuals. We do this through 50 programs in 70 locations throughout New York City and Westchester. Our strong belief and commitment to diversity shows not just through our work with supported persons but is integral to the building of a strong staff that reflects the communities we serve. 

Benefits

At Rising Ground, we encourage everyone to live a healthier life. When you enroll in health care benefits — medical, dental, and vision care, you and your family can take advantage of each plan’s preventive services, which will help everyone to stay well. Another way to remain healthy is to eat right and keep active. Ultimately, we all benefit when we make the right choices, whether through diet and exercise or health care services. You can also take advantage of other important benefits, including life and accident, disability benefits, the retirement savings plan, and the employee assistance program.

Annual Salary

$61,400.00

Responsibilities

• Carry a minimum caseload of 3.
• Contact the referring care provider within 24hours of a HS referral acceptance and must contact the sponsor to schedule the home visit within 48 hours of referral acceptance. ​
• Staff the case with a case manager within 3 calendar days of ORR’s referral.
• Assess the potential sponsor’s ability to meet the unaccompanied child's needs, educate and prepare the sponsor for the unaccompanied child’s release, and build on the sponsor assessment conducted by the care provider staff to verify or corroborate information gathered during that process.
• Ensure that Home Studies are thorough and detailed, and all risk factors presented by the agency care provider are explored and addressed at the time of the visit.
• Contact the agency care provider prior or after the Home Study visit takes place, as necessary, to ensure an accurate HS report.
• Maintain ongoing consultation with the HS Supervisor of any obstacle or barrier to timely completion of the HS report.
• As needed, contact relatives of the sponsor or minor in Home Country, and make sure to keep the care provider updated of such contacts.
• Discuss the HS recommendation with the HS Supervisor and Director prior to submitting the final recommendation for the HS.
• Submit the written report to the referring care provider within10 calendar days of receipt of the referral.​
• Complete Notice of Concern (NOC) form for any concerns about the child safety and wellbeing, make notifications to appropriate investigate agencies and notify ORR within the required timeframes.
• Ensure that all documentation, progress notes, HS reports etc. are completed as indicated in the program documentation protocol.
• Ensure that the UC Portal is updated with all HS information and on a timely manner

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) degree or an equivalent degree in education, psychology, sociology, or other behavioral science. Two years’ experience working with youth in the social service field
• Must be skilled at writing professional, thorough assessment reports.
• Knowledge of child welfare and immigration related legislation
• Excellent verbal, written communication and organizational skills are essential
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a must