Job Description

The Social Worker will provide case management for youth, placed in foster care for the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Program (URM) in the Virginia region. The Social Worker will provide assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of young people to maximize their well-being, safety and acculturation to the USA and URM Program.

Essential Functions

• Travel within a 50 mile radius from zip code 22031 and availability to be on a rotating on-call schedule. May work some evenings and weekends.
• Meet with clients’ face-to-face and virtually, minimum twice a month.
• Work with clients individually, in families, or in groups, assessing their situations, capabilities, and problems, to determine what services are required to meet their needs.
• Serve as liaison/advocate between client and foster parents, health specialists, school staff, Virginia Juvenile and Domestic Relations District and immigration courts, and other service providers to assist clients who face problems such as disabilities, abuse, or poverty.
• Maintain case history records and prepare reports (i.e.: court reports, treatment plans, contact notes, and monthly reports).
• Refer clients to community resources for services such as educational support, employment training, financial literacy, legal aid, housing, and medical treatment, and assist client (and foster parents) on getting services as well as provide thorough information about where to go and how to apply.
• Working with client’s Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), in addition to the Assistant Attorney General regarding cases every four (4) to six (6) months.
• Develop and review service plans in consultation with clients, and perform follow-ups assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.
• Arrange for medical, psychiatric, and other tests that may disclose causes of difficulties and indicate remedial measures.
• Collect supplementary information needed to assist client, such as employment records, medical records, or school reports.
• Assist with placing clients in foster homes, institutions, or medical treatment centers if and when needed.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Knowledge or understanding of the U.S. Refugee Resettlement program
• Social work degree or degree in a field related to social work such as sociology, psychology, special education, or counseling
• 2 yrs of experience in child welfare system or foster care preferred
• Culturally competent: experience with different cultures, religions, and nationalities.
• Experience in writing cohesive and coherent court reports, treatment plans, contact notes, and monthly reports.
• Knowledge of trauma based practices and working with youth
• Experience in family therapy and/or trauma informed therapy preferred
• Will be required to pass background check in DC, Maryland, and Virginia.
• Must have reliable and accessible transportation
• Valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance

Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
• Experienced in data collection systems
• Ability to manage time well
• Ability to work independently and in a group.
• Spanish speaking preferred.