Caseworker

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. 

Job Overview: The Caseworker provides trauma-informed services to recently arrived refugees and other qualified immigrants to meet basic needs and support client achievement of self-sufficiency. The Caseworker works closely with clients, colleagues, and external parties to develop service and/or self-sufficiency plans to meet individual client needs, engaging a broad range of financial, medical, social, vocational, and other services and resources in accordance with client eligibility and program requirements.  The Caseworker is expected to follow guidelines and standard practices, connecting clients to services that support wellbeing.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Coordinate timely pre- and post-arrival services to ensure each client has living essentials such as housing, food, medical care, access to transportation and community orientation
• Purchase necessary items, conduct housing set-ups, airport pick-ups, home visits, grocery orientation, bus orientation and other field-based services related to the immediate needs of newcomers. Lift, transport, drive and move items as needed for program delivery.
• Conduct intake to assess needs. Develop self-sufficiency plans and timelines in partnership with each client. Provide individualized support through direct services, referrals, and advocacy.
• Assess and monitor client progress to support their attainment of established goals. Address challenges, and to ensure that available resources are utilized.
• Detail each client interaction in accordance with program requirements. Input client information in database(s) and assist with tracking and reporting as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations. Build and maintain relationships with area service providers for the benefit of clients.
• Use personal, insured vehicle and/or public transportation (where available) to travel and transport clients and materials as needed throughout the service delivery area.
• Collaborate with colleagues across grants and programs, ensuring that clients access services for which they are eligible. Complete program quality assurance activities to ensure appropriate use of funds.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study preferred.

Work Experience:

• Prior experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations required, including casework and/or pre-arrival services
• Prior experience navigating program eligibility and program requirements; ensuring services are provided and appropriately documented

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build relationships with clients, colleagues and collaborators
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Fluent in spoken and written English. Proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group strongly desired.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research and problem-solving purposes.
• Ability to transport, lift and move items as needed to set up homes and otherwise support new arrivals. Lifting and carrying of items 50+ lbs, including larger items such as furniture
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.
• Ability to drive a large van or other passenger vehicles, as needed to conduct work. 

Working Environment: 

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities. Typically, this position is based at the office 4 days/week and remotely 1 day/week, with potential field work all days.
• Requires schedule flexibility to perform weekend and/or evening work, including but not limited to airport pick-ups.

Compensation: (Pay Rate: $26.80/hr). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements. 

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Benefits: IRC offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Highlights include 10 paid sick leave, 10 U.S. holidays, 20-25 generous paid time off based on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163/month, dental starting at $6.50/month, and vision starting at $5/month, flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care, and commuter), a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting), disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.