Job Title:  Case Manager

Classification:  Full Time | Non-Exempt

Salary: Depending on experience and qualifications

Department: Legal Department | Deportation Defense Unit

Project: Children’s Holistic Immigration Representation Project (CHIRP)

Reports to: Managing Attorney and/or Supervising Attorney

Location: Hybrid- Telecommute and CARECEN’s Los Angeles or San Bernardino Office

Job Summary: The case manager will focus on providing case management support for unaccompanied children in the southern California region as part of CARECEN’s holistic legal advocacy.  This holistic representation model is made possible through funding from the California Department of Social services to pilot a two-year project, the Children’s Holistic Immigration Representation Project (CHIRP).

The project’s aim is twofold— to support the expansion of legal and social services with a goal of building capacity and promote best practices in holistic legal representation of unaccompanied children. Cases under this model are selected on a first come, first serve basis without regard to the merits of the case. We are currently seeking to hire a case manager with a proven interest in working with this population to partner with our attorneys in providing holistic representation. The case manager’s role is integrated into almost all areas of the legal case. The case manager serves as a child advocate on the legal team and will provide comprehensive, client-centered services that include, but are not limited to: case management, goal setting, supporting the legal case as needed, serve as the child’s advocate in other systems external to the case that nonetheless impact the child’s overall wellbeing, and work alongside parents/guardians to determine what services need to be put in place to ensure that our clients are in the best position possible to succeed.

Job Responsibilities/Essential Duties

• Advocacy on behalf of children who are represented through CHIRP
• Case management and support of client’s access to services
• Support children by accompanying them to court and other important appointments
• Liaison with other service providers in the child’s life such as primary mental health providers and support families at reunification
• Conduct child and family visits in the community, at school, at court, as needed
• “Warm handoffs” to community resources which includes, but is not limited to, locating services, scheduling appointments, assisting with coordinating transportation, and conducting any necessary follow up
• Develop and maintain any necessary resource lists that can help identify holistic programs and services for unaccompanied children, including emergency housing, food pantries, educational support, and health services, among other areas of needs as assessed by the case manager
• Serve are liaison between external social services partners and CARECEN
• Develop internal training material for staff trainings on relevant themes and topics (i.e. about referrals, social services, best practices, etc.)
• Develop and/or outreach for mental health workshops for recently arrived migrant youth and families
• Enter and report data regarding caseload work and trends in the field
• Continued developing knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of regulation and policy changes that impact unaccompanied children
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor

Required Skill/Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work (BSW) or related field OR equivalent experience
• Working knowledge of the immigration system or other systems that impact unaccompanied children (education, delinquency, dependency/child welfare)
• Understanding of resources and network of service for children and their families in the communities we serve
• Dedication to serving children, and immigrant children in particular, and other underserved communities
• Ability to take initiative, self-start, and be creative in addressing issues or problems with limited resources
• Ability to work in a collaborative manner within the organization and community partners
• Strong verbal and writing skills
• Fluency in the English and Spanish languages required
• Commitment to the mission and goals of CARECEN 

Work Environment and Physical Demands

This position operates in a professional office environment. The position requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary. Flexible work from home schedule may be offered. Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including a hybrid office and work from home model depending on COVID-19 office policy, CARECEN’s offices, workspace provided by others including community libraries and other government facilities, among others.

Classification & Work Schedule

The position is a full-time hourly position. Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday. The work schedule for this position is a 35-hour workweek equaling 7-hour workdays. The position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the union. 

Travel Requirements

This position is based out of CARECEN’s Los Angeles or San Bernardino office and requires occasional travel to CARECEN’s other offices (Los Angeles/San Bernardino/ San Fernando Valley). The position also requires occasional travel to Immigration Courts in Los Angeles, Santa Ana, and Van Nuys and State Courts around the Southern California region. The position may comprise up to 50% of travel time. Mileage reimbursement is available. Ability to drive with a valid CA license and a registered vehicle is preferred.

Benefits

CARECEN offers a generous benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Supplemental insurance and a 403(b) retirement savings plan are also available. Paid time off is also provided.

Application Deadline

Candidates encouraged to apply immediately.

To Apply

Please email cover letter, resume, and three references to Ruth Calvillo ([email protected]) and Lilit Melkonyan ([email protected]). Candidates are urged to be specific regarding level of Spanish fluency in resume or cover letter. Candidates should also indicate whether they prefer Los Angeles or San Bernardino as their home office.

Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Applicants must apply directly. CARECEN will not consider applications through legal recruiting/staffing agencies. No inquiries or phone calls from applicants or legal recruiters please.

                                                   CARECEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, political affiliation, condition of physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, in accordance with requirements of Federal and State laws.