Child Welfare Specialist

Role Overview

The Case Officer is the social services anchor of a two-person field team conducting in-person safety and wellness checks on unaccompanied children released to sponsors across the United States. Working alongside a Case Manager, the Case Officer leads child welfare assessment, engages with families and children with cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed care, and ensures the wellbeing focus of every interaction. This role requires a background in social work, case management, or child welfare and a genuine commitment to the safety of vulnerable children.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct child welfare and safety assessments during field visits alongside the Case Manager

• Engage with children, sponsors, and family members using trauma-informed, culturally sensitive practices

• Ensure all interactions are conducted in the family's primary language - through bilingual capability or professional interpreters

• Document case observations and outcomes accurately; submit reports within required timeframes

• Identify and escalate safety concerns, signs of abuse, trafficking indicators, or welfare risks immediately

• Adhere strictly to program Standards of Conduct - no gifts, no personal contact, no legal advice to participants

• Report any adverse information, conduct violations, or safety concerns to supervisors within 24 hours

• Verify UAC school enrollment and confirm attendance in accordance with state requirements

• Inform UAC and sponsor of legal obligations including immigration court dates, ERO reporting, and release conditions

• Enter and update standardized case data in ICE systems of record following each completed visit

• Report serious health or safety events to supervisors within 1 hour; performance concerns within 1 calendar day

• Participate in all required training, certifications, and annual refresher courses

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field - or equivalent field experience

• 2+ years of experience in social work, case management, child welfare, or a related helping profession

• Experience working with children, families, or vulnerable populations in a field or community setting

• Strong written documentation and report-writing skills

• Valid driver's license and ability to travel extensively within assigned region

Prior to Employment

• Mandatory requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen - no exceptions

  • Resided in the United States for at least 3 of the last 5 years

  • Pass a federal government background investigation (suitability determination)

  • Complete all required government training modules

  • Sign program Standards of Conduct and Non-Disclosure Agreement

  • Able to work field-based, nationwide assignments

Mandatory Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen - no exceptions

• Must have resided in the United States for at least 3 of the last 5 years

• Must pass a federal government background investigation (suitability determination) before beginning work

• Must complete all required government training modules before starting field work

• Must sign program Standards of Conduct and Non-Disclosure Agreement

• Able to work field-based, nationwide assignments

Prior to Employment

• Mandatory requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen - no exceptions

  • Resided in the United States for at least 3 of the last 5 years

  • Pass a federal government background investigation (suitability determination)

  • Complete all required government training modules

  • Sign program Standards of Conduct and Non-Disclosure Agreement

  • Able to work field-based, nationwide assignments