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OrganizationHarriet Kuhr
TypeFull Time
Application DeadlineJuly 31, 2019
College Degree Required?Yes
Salary RangeCommensurate with experience
Emailharriet.kuhr@rescue.org
Phone434-979-7772

Description

IRC Background: Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through 26 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC helps refugees resettle and become self-sufficient. Our programs are designed to ensure refugees thrive in America–whether ensuring children are enrolled in school, adults become self-reliant through employment or starting businesses, or families receive acute medical care they need to recover from trauma or illness. The IRC helps those in need to rebuild their lives and regain control of their future in their new home community.

Job Overview: The Caseworker provides assistance to refugees to ensure the best possible resettlement experience and the achievement of client self-sufficiency. The Caseworker works closely with clients to develop service plans to match individual client needs and preferences utilizing a broad range of financial, medical, social, vocational, and other services and resources based on client eligibility. The Caseworker operates under close supervision with moderate latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.

Job Duties

Major Responsibilities:

Pre-Arrival Client Services:

  • Provide the best possible initial resettlement experience for each client, from point of entry to successful assimilation. This includes assurances that pre-arrival services are in place (suitable housing, living essentials such as food, furniture and household supplies) and serve as the first and main point of contact for assigned incoming refugee clients.

Post-Arrival Client Services:

  • Provide in-home visits to assigned clients per funder requirements; including the 24 hour and 30 day visits. Maintain a focus on safety, functionality and understanding emergent needs.
  • Independently develop reasonable self-sufficiency plans and timelines with each client and managing client expectations throughout the resettlement period.
  • Support clients through social service referrals, medical access and advocacy services by assessing and evaluating each client’s distinct needs.
  • Assess and monitor client progress to ensure established goals are being attained, designated resources are being maximized and modifying initial resettlement plans as required.
  • Travel regularly throughout the service delivery area, using personal vehicle to transport clients as needed (home visits, agency visits, etc.)

Compliance Documentation:

  • Ensure compliance with both case file management and reporting requirements. This entails regular and timely maintenance of both hard-copy and electronic files per best practice standards.
  • Perform various administrative tasks including financial reconciliations, request checks and print out vouchers/transmittal sheets; mileage reimbursement requests, etc.

Team/Office Participation:

  • Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and other duties as assigned.
  • Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive strength-based services to IRC clients through coordination of cases and effective communication between team members and departments.
  • Comply with all policies, procedures and protocols of the agency; placing importance on client confidentiality.

Skills Required

Job Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study, or equivalent work experience.
  • Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience in human services field preferred.
  • Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
  • Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
  • Self- starter with excellent problem solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
  • Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population is desired; bilingual ability in Farsi/Dari preferred.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
  • Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance.

Work Schedule

Working Environment:

  • A combination of standard office environment and ‘field’ time in and around the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
  • May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.