ProBAR - Social Worker Houston, TX

The American Bar Association (ABA) was founded on a commitment to advance the rule of law in the United States and beyond by providing practical resources for legal professionals, conducting law school accreditation, developing model ethics codes and more. Today, the ABA remains a member-based organization that works to ensure access to justice for all, a fair legal process, and respect for the rule of law at home and across the globe.

The ABA is committed to service and refining the standards that guide the legal profession. ABA staff are provided multiple types of continuing education and career development opportunities. Your work will help eliminate bias, enhance diversity, and advance the rule of law throughout the US and around the world.

The ABA recognizes the value staff contribute to our success through a generous benefits package that protects their health and their financial security.  The ABA’s wide array of benefit offerings include 401(k), medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health spending accounts, supplemental life and disability insurance, prepaid legal programs, and a complimentary membership to the American Bar Association, which offers additional benefits.

Flexible/hybrid work arrangements may be available for residents of CA, DC, IL, IN, IA, MD, MI, MN, TX, VA, and WI.  Residency requirements may apply. ABA employees are eligible to apply for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). 
 

The Organization

ProBAR empowers immigrants through high-quality legal information, representation, and connections to services. ProBAR serves immigrants in the Rio Grande Valley and Houston regions with a particular focus on the legal needs of adults and unaccompanied children in federal custody. Founded in 1989 as a project of the American Bar Association, ProBAR’s primary office is located in Harlingen, TX with a field office in Houston, TX. For more information about ProBAR, please visit our website: https://abaprobar.org/

Note: This position is based in Houston, TX. Applicants will be expected to agree to comply with ProBAR’s travel requirements regarding frequency and responsibility for travel expenses as pertains to travel to the Rio Grande Valley. Please review the travel requirements noted below.

Job Summary / General Purpose of Job

Conducts social work case activities and client support intakes/referrals.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities (listed in order of importance and/or time spent)

• Conducts clinical assessments with clients to determine their social, developmental, emotional, economic status, or other needs in support of the Project activities.
• Documents interventions by maintaining client files, including uploading data to appropriate case management databases.
• Maintains all records of duties performed and ensures the confidentiality of the data and its safekeeping, irrespective of storage media.
• Conducts outreach to community partners, including organizations and mental health service providers, to develop and implement post-release and care plans.
• Assists in providing individual, group, and family counseling and skills training. Provides therapeutic interventions to address behavioral and emotional issues.
• Assist in the explanation of best practices for safe resettlement in the United States. May also assist in explaining court proceedings to clients released from detention.
• Provides support to staff members on matters related to social work, counseling, and case interventions.
• Must be familiar with conducting virtual meetings, training, and observations via Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Skype, Asana, or equivalent platforms.
• When necessary, provide community visits and transportation to clients.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Required Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Possession of master’s degree in Social Work and licensure (LMSW) or master’s degree in Counseling and licensure. 
• At least one years’ experience providing services as a Social Worker or Counselor.
• Fluency in English and Spanish in both oral and written forms.
• Proficiency in both Microsoft Office and Google tools and products.
• Ability to problem solve issues during stressful situations.
• Must be able to identify visual and verbal queues when interacting with clients and colleagues.
• Must have reliable internet and phone connection.
• Must have reliable transportation to travel between office and off-site work locations.
• Must be insurable and have an acceptable driving record.
• This position requires the ability to travel to and enter care provider facilities funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, Administration for Children and Families, United States Department of Health and Human Services, which provide housing and services to unaccompanied children. This position will require the provision of legal services to unaccompanied children in such care provider facilities. In accordance with the federal regulation, background check will be required for this position.

Preferred Education, Qualifications, Experience

• Licensed in Clinical Social Work (LCSW) or Licensed in Clinical Counseling.
• Prior work experience with children or families, particularly from Central America and including indigenous language speaking populations. At least four years’ experience providing social work or counseling support and services to indigent, disabled, and/or detained individuals.
• Previous work experience with clients detained in immigration detention facilities, jails, and/or correctional facilities.
• Prior non-profit experience, particularly involving immigration detention.

Physical Requirements

• Typically, an office setting, but will require frequent visitation and counseling in immigrant detention centers and/or Federal, state, and/or municipal correctional facilities/jails. Also requires the ability to travel to and enter care provider facilities.
• Must be able to carry up to 15 pounds.

Travel

This job will typically require 15% travel locally. The position will require regular travel to the ProBAR office located in Harlingen, Texas.

The Benefits and Incentives Offered

• Medical and prescription insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Voluntary life insurance
• Short- and long-term disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Prepaid Legal Plan
• 401 (k)
• Paid company holidays
• Personal time off
• Vacation time off
• Self-Care time off
• PSLF participant
• Sign on bonus offered*
• Relocation Stipend offered for in state and out of state relocation*

*Restrictions apply. Availability is subject to grant funding and may periodically change.

The Location

The work arrangement is based in Houston, TX.

ProBAR’s primary location is in the Rio Grande Valley, a thriving region that boasts a rich culture, affordable cost of living, subtropical climate, and beautiful natural areas to enjoy. Recent growth has brought the RGV unprecedented investments in higher education and scientific research. Three local airports connect RGV residents to destinations around the country while Mexico is only a short drive away. The region’s delicious food, world-class nature parks, and the beaches of South Padre Island provide ample opportunities to relax and recharge!

Our Houston field office is in the Uptown District, that showcases the vibrant urban lifestyle in the heart of Houston. The Uptown District is home to The Galleria, Texas’ largest shopping center. In addition to being a pedestrian friendly city, you can get around with ease on the MetroRapid Silver Line.

The Application Process

Submit an online application including your cover letter and resume.

The Salary

The starting hiring range for this position is $72,236.00 - $85,319.50 based on relevant experience and education.