The Home Study Case Specialist position provides home study and suitability assessments of unaccompanied children as referred by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). This position is responsible for conducting in person home visits to determine safety and suitability of placement, to include in person interview with all household members, virtual interview with the unaccompanied child while still in ORR placement, comprehensive assessment, assessment of household and child’s needs, coordinates resources based on goals of referral, provides advocacy, information, and referral services. This position is also responsible for preparing assessment report to be submitted to ORR, within required timeframes, with recommendation of placement. This position is also responsible for review of ORR referral documents to familiarize with child’s needs.

Contributes to the Bishops’ strategic plan for the Conference. Demonstrates willingness and ability to understand, respect and contribute to the USCCB mission and to fulfill job duties in accordance with its Catholic identity.

Continuing Responsibilities:

• The Home Study Case Specialist (HS CS) will conduct home visits and phone calls to assess potential risks of placement & determine whether the sponsor/caregiver & proposed environment are suitable.

• Provide sponsors with psychosocial education on the minor's unique needs.

• Identify family strengths and social support.

• Help families develop an individualized plan for successful integration

• If needed, provide ongoing case management focusing on screening and making appropriate referrals to address the minor's needs related to placement issues, safety issues, education, health, mental health, legal/immigration proceedings, substance abuse, independent living, criminal/juvenile justice and child enrichments activities.

• Complete and document all required reports, case notes, and contacts in the appropriate database by the expected timeframes and requirements.

• Collaborate with ORR stakeholders and shelter staff, law enforcement agencies, or government office to ensure the safety and well-being of the minor.

• Provides crisis intervention services, as needed

• Assist in other special projects for the HS/PRS program as needed.

• Available to travel to areas to conduct home study assessments where USCCB does not have subrecipient program and to assist with ORR waitlist

General Responsibilities

• Participate in weekly HS/PRS team, and case staffing meetings as required; pull referral and placement data for meetings.

• Remain knowledgeable of all federal government and USCCB/MRS guidelines, policies and procedures related to HS/PRS.

• Participate on MRS teams/workgroups as required.

• Other duties as assigned.

Level: Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling or related field

Major Field/Specialty:Social work, Social Services, Counseling, Psychology

Foreign Language Requirement: (if any) Bilingual in English and Spanish

Travel: (if any) 50-75% of the time/2x per month

Number of Years Required: 1-3 years