Job Description

This position is for a Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Office of the Immigration Detention Ombudsman (OIDO), Case Management Division contract. OIDO is responsible for independently and impartially resolving complaints received from and on behalf of aliens in immigration detention and for providing oversight of immigration detention facilities within the purview of DHS.

The IDCM is responsible for conducting frequent site visits at immigration detention facilities, in teams with other federal and contract personnel, within a specified region and district. Additionally, IDCM’s are responsible for identifying, analyzing, and seeking to resolve complaints related to the conditions of immigration detention. Each IDCM will report to the Supervisory Immigration Detention Case Manager.

OIDO Case Intake

• Act as a representative of OIDO, providing explanation of the work and background of the office to detainees and ICE/CBP staff during on-site detention visits.
• Hold case intake sessions where detainees may have one-on-one interviews and file formal case inquiries to OIDO.
• Identify, analyze, and seek to resolve complaints related to the conditions of immigration detention.
• Input cases into proprietary OIDO case management system and triage as needed.
• Resolve cases on-sight if appropriate / applicable.
• Conduct post-site visit research and review of cases to resolve and/or refer cases as needed.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• At least two years of related experience (e.g., experience providing services to victims, experience working with immigrants or foreign-born individuals) and have knowledge of program objectives, policies, procedures, and requirements conducting a case management program at a local level.
• Experience working in or with victims or individuals in a confinement setting.
• At least two years of experience providing services to vulnerable populations.
• Experience with and an understanding of situations that contribute to family stress, problems, and crisis situations.
• Ability to approach the work in an objective and impartial manner and be able to perform the duties in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong oral and written communication skills as well as critical thinking skills
• Ability to create and manage projects and possess excellent interpersonal skills
• Cultural competency, integrity, and honesty
• Experience in a detention/correctional setting is preferred, but not required
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Latin American Studies, Liberal Arts, or an equivalent degree issued by an institution or program accredited by an entity recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
• In accordance with Chief Information Office requirements and provisions, any contractor employees accessing Department IT systems or processing DHS sensitive data via an IT system will require an Electronic Questionnaire for Investigation Processing (e-QIP) in the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) automated online system so as to be issued/provisioned a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) card.
• Workday travel and/or overnight travel may be required to oversee site visit operations at detention facilities for approximately 80% of the time. During such travel, the position requires the performance of duties in what may be a stressful and austere environment without physical limitations. Must be capable of standing on hard services (cement floors) for long periods of time.
• As per CDC guidelines – candidates must provide proof of a negative TB skin test, as well immunization from the following diseases: Hepatitis B, MMR, Varicella, and Influenza.
• Fluency in English, preferred fluency in Spanish or Portuguese.
• Familiarity engaging with underserved and/or diverse communities, and the ability to coordinate such engagement efforts for the purpose of learning of issues or concerns and then seeking appropriate solutions.
• Knowledge of the case management process to commensurate with training and education
• Ability to maintain an objective and impartial approach to site visits and review of case inquiries.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural and multi-lingual environment if not fluent in a language the detainee understands. Ability to utilize telephonic interpreter/translation services to complete.
• Ability to adapt to sudden changes in schedules and flexibility in work requirements.
• Ability to communicate proficiently in English (verbal and written) to develop positive rapport with detainees, co-workers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to navigate in an electronic work environment including the use of a case management system, web-based training, and communications.
• Knowledge of, and moderate proficiency in, common Microsoft Office programs, specifically Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and SharePoint.
• Human Resources Management and Services, Office of the Chief Human Capital Officer, Department of Homeland Security/HQ (HRSO) must render an Initial Preliminary Favorable Fitness Determination to be considered a qualified candidate.
• A Complete Favorable Fitness Determination must be rendered by HRSO upon completion of initial and subsequent background investigations to meet the requirements of this position.