The Unaccompanied Children Program provides long term and transitional residential care and other supportive services to Unaccompanied Children (UC) who are under legal custody of the Federal Government. Working in collaboration with the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, ORR, our program provides a safe and nurturing environment for youth in a Basic Shelter program, and the Therapeutic Group Home programs located at our licensed residential facility in Yonkers, NY as well as a Transitional Foster Care program in foster homes in the Bronx, Queens and Westchester. In all programs, we provide therapeutic, medical and educational services, as well as other supports that youth need to achieve success through an array of strength-based and targeted interventions as we link them with family members and/or other sponsors in the United States. We want all children we support to move forward with their lives and thrive. The Lead Caseworker oversees the case management services of the UC program while carrying a small case load, when at capacity.

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

$74,000 annually

Job Duties:

• Directly supervises case workers in the UC program
• Ensures that case workers are in compliance with all mandates as required by ORR.
• Provides weekly supervision to the case workers.
• Review all cases before they are submitted to ORR for release
• Facilitates team meetings and trainings
• Completes ORR reports and tracking grids on a weekly basis

Completes All Case Management Requirements for Children on Caseload:

• Case management responsibilities include all necessary tasks as required by the Federal Office of Refugee Resettlement.
• Develops and maintains contact with youth and their service providers for medical, social, educational, and other related service needs.
• Performs discharge and release functions to ensure that each youth has a safe and appropriate discharge plan.
• Ensures that children are represented at their court hearings and that information is provided to Catholic Charities of NY for their legal representation of the children.
• Documents client contacts and other case required paper work in an accurate and timely manner in accordance with regulations.
• Ensure all ORR, OCFS, and Education mandates and requirements are consistently met.
• Works collaboratively with different teams and departments within the POH division and across the organization.
• Participates and attends all required program related meetings and conferences.
• Works effectively with other professionals in the field.
• Maintains knowledge of issues affecting UC youth.
• Supports and participates in the group interaction process.
• Cover some evening and weekend hours as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Master’s Degree in a Human Services Field is preferred
• Minimum two year experience working with youth in a residential setting.
• Knowledge of child welfare and immigration related legislation
• Excellent verbal, written communication and organizational skills are essential
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite, knowledge of Connections
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a must

Location: Queens, New York