Caseworker

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization that was founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The IRC is dedicated to responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises, providing essential services to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With operations in over 40 countries and 29 cities across the United States, the IRC is one of the largest international non-governmental organizations (INGO) in the world. The organization is committed to helping individuals survive, regain control over their futures, and strengthen their communities. The IRC employs a diverse workforce that is passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of millions globally, embodying a force for humanity that delivers lasting change and hope.

Job Overview:
The Caseworker position is designed to provide trauma-informed services to refugees and other individuals eligible for Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) assistance, facilitating a positive integration experience and promoting client self-sufficiency. The Caseworker is responsible for delivering individualized case management services, developing self-sufficiency plans in collaboration with clients, and connecting households to essential community resources. This role requires close collaboration with clients, colleagues, and external service providers to ensure timely access to necessary benefits, housing, healthcare, employment, and other supports critical for successful resettlement. The Caseworker plays a vital role in helping clients navigate their new environment and achieve their personal and professional goals, thereby enhancing their overall quality of life.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Caseworker's responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks, including but not limited to: conducting intakes and needs assessments to identify clients' strengths, barriers, and goals; developing Family Self-Sufficiency Plans (FSSPs) and Individual Employability Plans (IEPs) in partnership with clients while ensuring compliance with program and donor requirements; providing trauma-informed case management services that include direct support, referrals, and advocacy with service providers; coordinating access to housing, benefits, healthcare, education, and employment services; monitoring client progress toward established goals, making necessary adjustments to plans, and ensuring that documentation is timely and accurate in case files and data systems; maintaining strong relationships with community partners and service providers to enhance available resources for clients; participating in case conferences, team meetings, and training sessions to promote quality service delivery and professional development; and adhering to all IRC policies and procedures, including safeguarding, data protection, and confidentiality protocols.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Caseworker position should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field, although comparable work experience may be considered as a substitute. Additionally, a minimum of two years of case management experience in a social services environment is required, with a preference for candidates who have experience working with vulnerable or underserved populations. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational and time-management skills, be detail-oriented, and possess the ability to work effectively as part of a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary team. Problem-solving skills, the ability to work independently, and the capacity to manage competing priorities are essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams, is also required, along with excellent verbal and written communication skills; public speaking experience is preferred.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Caseworker position includes a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a closely related field. While a degree is strongly preferred, candidates with relevant work experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of social work and the specific needs of the populations served by the IRC.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of two years of case management experience within a social services environment. This experience should ideally include working with vulnerable or underserved populations, as it equips the Caseworker with the necessary skills and insights to effectively support clients in their integration and self-sufficiency journeys. Candidates should demonstrate a track record of successfully managing cases and navigating the challenges faced by individuals in crisis situations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, bilingual abilities in languages such as Spanish, Dari, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, French, or other languages commonly spoken by refugees and immigrants are preferred. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with clients from diverse backgrounds and enhances the Caseworker's ability to provide comprehensive support.

Additional Notes:
The working environment for the Caseworker position includes a combination of standard office settings, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area to fulfill the outlined responsibilities. The role may require occasional evening or weekend work to accommodate client needs. Candidates should be physically capable of lifting 35–50 pounds, which may include furniture, household supplies, and food boxes. The compensation for this position is set at $20.97 per hour, with variations based on factors such as the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. Exact offers will be calibrated according to the work location and the individual candidate's experience and skills in relation to the defined job requirements.