Who we are

National Youth Advocate Program has been serving communities and clients since 1978 and we continue to grow each year. Our growth allows us to expand and develop new and innovative programs to meet the ever-changing needs of those we serve. We offer unique and personalized services for families and individuals in four areas: Prevention/Intervention, Positive Youth Development, Out-of-Home-Placement and Reunification/Permanency.

We know you are compassionate and dedicated to serving your clients and communities and NYAP is dedicated to providing support to those who join our team! We look for individuals that are ready to make a direct impact and are excited to be an instrument in supporting the needs of our children, youth and families.

Working At NYAP

• NYAP's commitment to doing what is best for children, youth and their families is a core value and one that we look for in our newest team members.
• 22 Days Off Each Year! Plus 11 Paid Holidays Per Year!
• Healthcare Benefits for you and your family
• Competitive salaries and benefits including a 401(k), Summer Hours Off (Half-day Fridays and Work Anniversary Trips!
• Mileage Reimbursement, Phone Allowance, Student Loan Repayment Assistance, CEU’s and ongoing trainings/education

Position Title: Family Reunification Specialist I TFC_JOR

Reporting Relationship: Lead Case Manager

Position Summary

The Family Reunification Specialist I (FRS I) for NYAP’s La Jornada (The Journey) Program works in support of case managers and case aides assisting in documenting and physical reunification of minors who have fled their country of origin and arrived in the U.S. without a parent or legal guardian and are in the care and custody of the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Family Reunification Specialist will perform duties including, but not limited to:

• Performing all work in a manner consistent with the National Youth Advocate Program’s mission, values, and philosophies.

• Responsible for following the assigned intake, placement, reunification, and discharge procedures including collecting, helping foster/sponsor families complete, coordinating, reviewing, and updating assigned documents, assessments, plans, forms, and packets and collecting and uploading assigned documents into NYAP’s electronic health record (EHR) system and the government’s database (UCP) within the mandatory timeframe.

• Writing required and additional progress notes for assigned responsibilities, and uploading progress notes and accompanying documents to NYAP’s electronic health record (EHR) system and the government’s database (UCP) within the mandatory timeframe.

• Assessing and participating in all stages of the reunification process including evaluating/ elevating to Lead Case Manager and Program Director reunifications in rural communities and locations determined by ORR to be high human trafficking areas.

• Participating during staffing(s) with Case Coordinators and Federal Field Specialists.

• Coordinating appointments such as Legal Orientation Program for Custodians appointments, FieldPrint appointments, and other assigned appointments.

• Coordinating with the discharge team, foster parents, and sponsor families about all logistics associated with reunifying the minors with their sponsors, including making travel arrangements (may include booking airfare, hotel, and rental car), coordinating exchanges, ensuring all discharge documentation is completed, provided to, and signed by sponsor.

• On occasion, traveling with minors to help reunify with foster or sponsor families. Such travel may include out-of-state travel, airline travel, and overnight stays.

• Complying with all Policy Guide section 2 and Manual of Procedures (MAP Section 2) safe and timely release provisions. Ensuring that pre-discharge notifications are emailed to ORR stakeholders.

• Completing UC Program exits, triggering reports, updating discharge notifications and sending emails to ORR stakeholders.

• Reporting sponsor related issues during the reunification process including elevating to FFS sponsor’s no shows.

• Performing other duties as requested.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• One (1) to 2+ years of experience in the refugee resettlement or immigration field strongly preferred; knowledge of the United States resettlement program and family reunification pathways preferred.

• Bilingual English/Spanish fluency required.

• Strong written and oral communication skills; ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients.

• Solid diplomatic and networking skills; ability to effectively manage a variety of internal and external relationships.

• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, automotive insurance, and a good driving record.

• Must be able to organize, navigate, and physically escort minors to various travel destinations possibly including airlines, trains, and buses. Potential travel may include out-of-state trips to unify minors with families.

• A willingness to work flexible and non-traditional hours maintaining a flexible, organized and efficient work schedule and is able and willing to work extended hours and weekends.

• Capacity to remain objective, professional, and effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and racial backgrounds including refugees or other minority families.

• Proficient use of desktop and laptop computers, smartphones and tablets, printers, fax machines and photocopiers as well as software including word processing, spreadsheet and database programs

• The qualified candidate will follow a team concept and support agency goals, colleagues and Bilingual English/Spanish fluency

• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, automotive insurance and a good driving record.

• Minimum automobile insurance coverage of $100,000/$300,000 bodily injury liability.

ORR liaisons. Candidate must be able to effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, disability, religious, and racial backgrounds.

COVID-19 Considerations:

In the spirit of caring for one another and our community, NYAP Immunization Policy and Procedures requires all employees, contractors, interns and volunteers be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except to the extent an individual is eligible for an exemption or the policy and procedure is not applicable by law. The State of IL has a separate mandate. For more information contact Human Resources at 614-487-3888.

Our organization was established in Ohio and is now in 10 states. We continue to expand and develop new and innovative programs for our communities and families. We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package which includes major medical, dental, vision, 401K, student loan assistance and generous paid time off. If YOU can envision it; WE can DO it! The possibilities are endless!

The person in this position needs to follow a team concept and support agency goals, colleagues and ORR liaisons. Candidate must be able to effectively work with and be respectful and sensitive to persons from various cultures, socioeconomic, ethnic, gender, gender identity, sexual identity, disability, religious, and racial backgrounds.

This job description is not an all-inclusive list of duties but rather a reflection of typical work performed in that position.

If this is you visit us at www.nyap.org/employment/