Jessica Hernandez

• Provided mentoring services to new employees, guiding them through established procedures and best practices. Assisted in delivering training sessions on various topics, including; Duchitanga, Intake Process, Reunification Categories, Acceptable, and Proof of Addresses.
• Provided assistance with compliance reports, ensuring all submissions met regulatory standards and deadlines. Supported CMs by addressing documentation gaps and ensuring the accuracy of dates and details. Ensured all reports were accurate and completed within the required time frames, maintaining high standards of data integrity and compliance.
• Interviewed family members, friends, and sponsors to verify relationship integrity and confirm details provided by minors within 24-48 hours of shelter admission.
• Assessed the needs of unaccompanied minors, planning for safe and timely discharges, and providing information on community programs and resources tailored to individual needs.
• Completed referrals to stakeholder agencies such as OTIP, Young Center for Advocacy, Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), and ProBAR Vera Legal Providers.
• Managed processes including Initial Intake, UAC Assessment, Case Review, Sponsor Assessment, and Release Requests to facilitate the safe release or reunification of minors with proposed entities or sponsors.
• Maintained accurate documentation, case summaries, and progress notes in compliance with organizational, state, and federal requirements.
• Provided feedback and assistance to colleagues, answered queries, participated in staffing, and supported audit processes.
• Ensured the timely completion of assessments in accordance with SWK, state, and federal requirements.
• Documented all actions and contacts with youth, sponsors, and stakeholders through progress notes, adhering to SWK, state, and federal contracts.
• Submitted completed reunification packets with appropriate referrals made by Case Managers for the timely release of youth to designated ORR representatives.
• Attended weekly staffing meetings, providing status updates to the GDIT Case Coordinator and ORR/FFS.
• Made recommendations for Home Study, Post-Release Services, and referrals to Long Term Foster Care, Residential Treatment Centers, and Staff Secure Shelters.

• Maintains contact with Case Coordinators regarding status of release recommendations, and to identify transfer recommendations for UC who do not meet placement criteria
• Document the Safety and Well Being Follow-Up Call and report any safety concerns in accordance with ORR Safety and Well Being Follow-Up Call
• Ensure ORR safe and timely release policy revisions are appropriately implemented within required timeframes
• Travel as needed for transport youth to destinations located within the U.S
• Occasionally provides escort and transportation for clients to court hearings, transfers from different foster homes, medical and psychiatric appointments
• Connects clients with proper and appropriate resources to assure clients receive helpful services after case discharges
• Follow up calls made 30 days after the client discharge to assure child’s safety and any needed additional resources
• Travel as needed for transport youth to destinations located within the U.S
• Reviews the documentation to ensure it contains all information needed for travel.

Orientation and Mentorship

• Provided orientation for new staff members, offering mentorship and guidance on job performance through the use of performance measures and metrics.
• Conducted daily internal meetings to ensure open communication, disseminate information, review significant activities, and address any issues or concerns.
• Supported the Director of Case Management in identifying staffing needs, organizing meetings, ensuring compliance, and managing other resource requirements.
• Offered technical support on how to effectively use the case management system.

Case Management and Interviews

• Conducted initial intake interviews with youth to gather possible sponsorship information and establish their age.
• Interviewed family members, friends, and sponsors to verify the integrity of relationships and confirm information provided by minors within 24-48 hours of shelter admission.

Travel and Documentation Review

• Traveled as needed to transport youth to destinations within the U.S. Assisted transporting youths to destination via plane and bus. Provide exit orientation to children prior to discharge and upon arriving to sponsor or family member.
• Reviewed documentation to ensure it contained all necessary information for travel.

• Conducts interviews for possible sponsorship receives and handles client records and files for evaluations
• Interviews children and adolescents and evaluates information for possible human trafficking, physical or sexual abuse and neglect
• Participates on weekly staffing; briefings on case updates; evaluates cases for appropriate discharge
• Conducts monthly meetings with staff and clients on court hearings, case details, medical updates, upcoming program events and any altered changes on service planning
• Thorough background investigations to properly determined possible sponsorship; refers any criminal hits on sponsors, family and household members to third party reviewers for accurate case reference that is in compliance with policy
• Constant informing on ORR policy and procedures to suitably manage case process
• Occasionally provides escort and transportation for clients to court hearings, transfers from different foster homes, medical and psychiatric appointments
• Connects clients with proper and appropriate resources to assure clients receive helpful services after case discharges
• Follow up calls made 30 days after the client discharge to assure child’s safety and any needed additional resources.