Refugee Foster Care Case Manager, URM

Overview

At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. We focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families.

Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we’re united in our mission and these shared values: we’re motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we’re in it for the long haul.

Requisition #: req
16107

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)

Note: Internal candidates do not qualify for the bonus.

As an Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) Case Manager, you will be primarily responsible for providing case management services support to children in foster care, foster families, and biological families through the Refugee Services program. This individual is also responsible for conducting culturally sensitive home studies, assessments, and referrals for clients within the program. This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

• Provide culturally and comprehensively case management services, while maintaining a caseload in compliance with contract terms and agency expectations;
• Assess potential placements for Unaccompanied Refugee Minors (URM), including interviews and home study investigations;
• May assist with home studies of and licensure for foster families;
• Complete and document all required reports, case notes, and case contacts in the appropriate database within expected time frames and requirements;
• Assess the safety and appropriateness of placements on an ongoing basis using child welfare principles and social work best practices;
• Attend weekly meetings with supervisor to consult on cases and review case plans and direction;
• Attend and be prepared for court hearings;
• Conduct meetings with foster parents and foster children at least once a month;
• Serve as an interpreter for clients who speak Spanish and translate to English, as needed;
• May serve as a co-therapist, as needed;
• Provide transportation to clients for medical appointments, foster homes, and other social agencies as needed;
• Assist with the training of new staff, as requested;
• Facilitate and assist with providing ongoing education and support services for foster parents, including attendance at education and support meetings;
• Attend internal trainings and apply newly gained knowledge on the job;
• Serve as lead or co-lead for therapeutic or educational groups;
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of foster children in care while meeting DHHS, ORR, and Bethany's documentation and reporting requirements;
• Keep abreast of community resources and refer families for support as needed;
• Maintain effective communication with community resources and individuals involved in providing services to clients;
• Stay informed of all agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements related to social services;
• Complete other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Sciences, Human Services, or a Social Services field from an accredited college;
  Master’s degree in Human Services or related field preferred;
• At least one (1) year of prior case management experience in child and family services;
• Bi-lingual English and French, or Arabic preferred;
• Demonstrated ability to service a diverse group of clients, including refugees or other minority families;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills;
• Demonstrated clinical, therapeutic, and crisis intervention skills;
• Ability to work independently and maintain a high level of confidentiality;
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license and at least 3 years driving experience to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Documentation of immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases or willingness to receive vaccination, or seek an exemption;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Commitment to Unity.