Job Title: Social Worker (MSW/LCSW)

Classification:Full Time | Exempt

Salary: $68,000 - $74,000, depending on experience and qualifications

Department: Legal Department | Deportation Defense Unit

Reports to:Managing Attorney and/or Supervising Attorney

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

Job Summary: The social worker will focus on providing support to the legal cases of unaccompanied

children in the southern California region as part of CARECEN’s holistic legal advocacy.

The social worker’s role is integrated into almost all areas of the legal case. The social worker serves as a mental health expert on the legal team and will provide comprehensive, client-centered services that include, but are not limited to: case management, clinical assessment, goal setting, and interventions, supporting the legal case by providing written declarations and supporting documents 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. The social worker is vital to prepare the child for court and support clients who have experienced trauma and mental health issues, or developmental disabilities that impact their well-being.

Additionally, because the provision of social services is new to our organization, the social worker will be a thought partner as we create internal policies and implement best practices in holistic legal representation for unaccompanied children.

Job Responsibilities/Essential Duties

• Advocacy on behalf of unaccompanied children represented by our legal team
• Assessment, records review, case management, and support of client’s access to services
• Introduce positive coping skills and safety planning to children
• 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, and 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 resource lists that 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 social worker
• Serve are liaison between external social services partners and CARECEN
• Help obtain, review, and interpret medical and mental health records to provide supporting documentation for court
• 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 case work and trends in the field
• Continue 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

• Master’s Degree in social work (MSW)
• 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
• Commitment to the mission and goals of CARECEN

Classification & Work Schedule

This is a full-time, exempt position. Office hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday during which time staff is required to be available for clients, flexibility required based on the needs of the organization. The normal workweek for this position is 35 hours, but a greater emphasis is placed on meeting the responsibilities assigned to the position. Responsibilities may require working evenings and some weekends. Exempt employees do not receive overtime compensation, compensatory time off, or additional compensation beyond the salary assigned to the position. The position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the union.

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 is available.

Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including CARECEN’s offices, at home workspace, workspace provided by others including community libraries and other government facilities, among others.

Travel Requirements

This position is based out of CARECEN’s 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 required.

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 at [email protected] with the subject line “Social Worker-San Bernardino.”. Candidates are urged to be specific regarding level of Spanish fluency in resume or cover letter. 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.