Unification Specialist (Remote)

Job purpose

The Remote Unification Specialist is responsible for coordinating case management and family reunification services for children in an on-site children’s residential facility. Will work closely with the Program Director, Unification Manager, Clinical Services, Potential sponsors, other workers/staff, or stakeholders as applicable and in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS), office of Refugee Resettlement’s (ORR) Unaccompanied Children Program and its care providers, and any additional clients and programs. Responsible for the safe and timely release of all children to appropriate care. They ensure contractual requirements and client expectations are met.

Duties and responsibilities

• Coordinates case management and family reunification services (remotely) for children.
• Initiates and maintains direct contact with unaccompanied child refugees and their family members while the minor is in ORR care, while efficiently working to safely release the minor from client care and reunify the child with its family.
• In conjunction with program staff, communicate reunification updates to the minor.
• Participate in case staffing with the program and field as needed to discuss reunification progress.
• Identifies potential family members or other sponsors for reunification.
• Facilitates the timely release or discharge of children to identified family members or authorized caregiver/custodian and documents the provision of services in each child’s case file.
• Maintain the minor’s case file and case management portal in accordance with client policies and procedures.
• Supports family members or other sponsors to assist them with understanding the process and the child’s needs.
• Conduct initial program intake of minors to verify information, identify family/sponsors and make initial contact.
• Acts as the facilitator of communication between minors, sponsors, staff, and others as appropriate.
• Identify and process potential sponsors.
• Help sponsor to complete all required forms and submit documentation.
• Maintain communication with the minor and their family/sponsors through meetings and phone calls.
• Refer minor for additional services or programs, as needed, within the current program and after release, including documenting/reporting serious incidents through required communication channels.
• Confirm the children are receiving all required services, meeting regularly with the minors to ensure their wellbeing.
• Attend all case staffing discussions, training, and other meetings as part of the minor’s care team, providing status updates and collaborating with other stakeholders.
• Ability to handle crisis intervention, conflict, confrontation, or other complex people situations with compassion and decisiveness.

Other Duties

• Experience working with traumatized/exploited minors and minors with behavioral problems.
• Demonstrate ability to support a diverse group of clients, including refugees or other minority families.
• Aptitude to work cross-functionally with other personnel and social service agencies to deliver the highest quality of work under extreme pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Experienced and high level of comfortability operating technology and learning new software applications quickly to complete required data entry tasks.
• Works closely with counselors and care coordinators to ensure communication.
• Ability to work independently in the field and exercise a high level of confidentiality.
• Knowledge of state, community, and agency resources for victims of abuse (preferred).
• Duties are performed via a government approved computer system. Employees are required to possess strong computer skills in MS Word and excel.
• Perform related duties as assigned, within your scope of practice – management reserves the right to revise these duties as necessary.
• Assist in vetting sponsors nationwide.

Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish and English.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or an equivalent degree in Psychology, Sociology, or other relevant Behavioral Science.Master’s degree in a relevant field (preferred).
• Must be able to multi-task, be detail-oriented, be organized and have excellent verbal and communication skills.
• Proficiency with computer and common office equipment, as well as with MS Office products required.

Preferred Qualifications

• 1 years of demonstrated experience in case, unification management work.
• Case Management Wellness Check, call center experience (Preferred)
• ORR experience (Preferred)

Physical requirements

• Must be able to sit for more than 8 hours per day.
• Must be willing to work overtime if necessary
• Available to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends.
• Available to travel as required.
• Clean criminal background check
• Child Abuse/Neglect Report (CAN) or child protective services check with no adverse findings.
• Must possess strong computer skills in MS Office, including Excel, Word, Teams.
• Ability to type 45 wpm.
• Must complete Drug Screen

8-koi, Inc. is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, and or any other characteristic protected by law. Position is contingent upon contract award.