Caseworker

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that was established in 193

• The IRC's mission is to help people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. The organization operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, providing vital services to refugees and displaced individuals. The IRC Kansas branch specifically focuses on supporting refugees and other newcomers through trauma-informed family services, economic empowerment programs, education, and immigration legal services. The organization is dedicated to ensuring that families receive the necessary care to heal and rebuild their lives in a new home.

Job Overview:
The Caseworker position is crucial for providing trauma-informed services to refugees and qualified immigrants, ensuring a positive resettlement experience and promoting client self-sufficiency. The Caseworker will work closely with clients to develop personalized service plans that address their unique needs and preferences. This role involves coordinating essential services before and after clients arrive, conducting intake assessments, and creating individualized self-sufficiency plans with SMART goals. The Caseworker will also monitor client progress, facilitate access to various resources, and maintain detailed records of client interactions. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and external partners to enhance service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Caseworker's responsibilities include coordinating timely pre- and post-arrival services, ensuring clients have access to essentials such as airport pickup, housing, food, medical care, and transportation. The Caseworker will conduct intake services to assess client needs, develop individualized self-sufficiency plans, and provide relevant services aligned with client goals. This includes distributing direct financial assistance, assisting with public benefits applications, and making referrals to medical and mental health services. The Caseworker will ensure that clients receive meaningful interactions throughout the service delivery period, monitor their progress towards established goals, and address any challenges that arise. Additionally, the Caseworker will document each client interaction according to program requirements, input client information into databases like ETO, and collaborate with coworkers and partner organizations. Building and maintaining relationships with local service providers is essential for client benefit, and the Caseworker may also train and lead volunteers and interns as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Caseworker position should possess a Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, although relevant professional experience in the human services field may be considered in lieu of a degree. A minimum of 2 years of experience in a similar role is strongly preferred, particularly experience working with refugee and immigrant populations. Candidates should demonstrate strong relationship-building skills, diplomacy, and the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment. Proficiency in navigating database systems such as IRIS and ETO is desirable, along with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively. Attention to detail and accuracy in work are critical, as is fluency in English, both spoken and written. Proficiency in additional languages spoken by IRC clients, such as Dari, Farsi, or Pashto, is highly desirable. Candidates should also be proficient in Microsoft Office applications and possess a valid driver’s license with access to a personal, insured vehicle.

Educational Background:
The preferred educational background for the Caseworker position is a Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field. However, candidates with relevant professional experience in the human services sector may also be considered, especially if they have demonstrated success in similar roles. The educational qualifications should equip candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support refugees and immigrants in their resettlement process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in the human services field, with a strong preference for candidates who have experience working with refugee and immigrant populations. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to provide trauma-informed services and support clients in achieving self-sufficiency. Candidates should have a proven track record of effectively navigating challenges and providing comprehensive support to diverse client groups.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for the Caseworker position. Additionally, proficiency in languages spoken by IRC clients, such as Dari, Farsi, and/or Pashto, is highly desirable and considered an asset for effective communication and service delivery.

Additional Notes:
The Caseworker position may involve a combination of standard office work, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area. Candidates should be prepared for occasional weekend and evening work as required. The compensation for this position ranges from $20.00 to $22.50 per hour, depending on various factors such as the labor market, job type, and individual candidate experience. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program.