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Mary's Center is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within our organization and the communities we serve. We embrace diversity of experiences, ideas, and individuals, and seek to bring a diverse group of candidates to the table.

Important Note: Mary's Center is mandating the COVID-19 vaccine + booster for all staff.

Position Summary

The Family Support Specialist will provide Home Study (HS) and Post Release Services (PRS) for Unaccompanied Children (UC). This position will report to the Regional Supervisor. Must reside in Washington, DC, Maryland, or Virginia and must have the ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish as used by participants.

Reportability

This position will report directly to the Regional Supervisor for the USCRI grant.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

• Conduct time-sensitive and thorough home study assessments for potential placements for UC, including background interviews, home assessment, and case analysis.
• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate post placement services and comprehensive case management for UC.
• Carry a minimum caseload of 15 PRS cases with 1 home study, but not to exceed 25 PRS cases and 3 home studies.
• Conduct brief interventions to help families address crises and manage conflict, as needed.
• Complete individualized needs assessments with UC and sponsor, and develop case plans with particular attention to culture, language, and special circumstances.
• Maintain a high standard of record-keeping according to USCRI and ORR policies and procedures.
• Provide information, education, referrals, outreach, advocacy, and support to ensure that each child receives the services they require.
• Assess the safety and appropriateness of the placement on an ongoing basis using child welfare principles and social work best practices through phone/video calls, interviews, and home visits.
• Build a network of local pro bono legal resources and service providers to facilitate access for UC and sponsors and track individual progress.
• Coordinate and maintain communication with key stakeholders.
• Participate in regular training and communication sessions with supervisor and headquarters staff.
• Other duties as assigned by supervisor or director.

All job duties indicated are not to be an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s).

Qualifications

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities -

• Master of Social Work, a behavioral science, or social services field, with at least two years' progressive experience in the fields listed above; or a bachelor's degree in social work, a behavioral science, or social services field with a minimum of three years' progressive experience in the fields listed above.
• Experience in child welfare, child placements, family preservation and social service provision is desired.
• Must be skilled at writing professional, thorough assessment reports.
• Must possess an extensive knowledge of immigrant community local resources.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, and ability to prioritize duties in a fast-paced environment.
• Must have a valid driver's license, insurance, a clean driving record, and personal transportation.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to comply with mandatory state reporting requirement for child abuse and neglect.
• Must have dedication to the human rights of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers and displaced people.
• Must pass a criminal background check that includes history of conviction of child and sexual abuse.
• Possess or be able to obtain CPR and basic first aid certification.
• Demonstrated support of Mary's Center and USCRI's values by exhibiting respect for others, maintenance of confidential information and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace.

Training Requirements -

• Satisfactory completion of USCRI's Orientation and Training.
• Satisfactory completion of ORR required training prior to serving clients and on an annual basis.
• Complete additional training as identified by supervisor or Human Resources.

Language Requirement - Must have the ability to communicate effectively in English and Spanish as used by participants. Proficiency in additional languages a plus.

Physical Demands - Regularly required to sit; frequently required to reach with hands and arms, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk or hear; must be able to lift objects up to twenty-five (25) pounds.

Work Environment - Mostly in a home office setting with quiet to moderate noise level. May be exposed to extreme cold, heat, and humidity due to outside weather conditions. Position requires up to 50 percent long distance travel with limited notice. The position is remote, and the candidate must have an appropriate workspace to complete documentation, client phone calls, and video conferencing.

The Benefits:

• Health Insurance: medical, dental & vision - plus retirement options through 403(b) contribution and investment opportunities
• 25 days of paid leave annually (in addition to paid holidays), plus 5 educational days
• Tuition reimbursement of $2000/year towards education assistance and professional development
• Transportation subsidy via metro & bus
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)