Caseworker

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The organization is dedicated to responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises, providing assistance 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 employs a diverse workforce committed to delivering impactful solutions that help millions of people regain control over their lives and strengthen their communities. The IRC's mission is to be a force for humanity, and its employees are driven by a passion for making a positive difference in the lives of those in need, working tirelessly to foster a better future for vulnerable populations worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Caseworker position is integral to the IRC's mission, focusing on providing trauma-informed services to refugees and other ORR-eligible immigrants. The primary goal of this role is to facilitate a positive integration experience for clients and support their journey towards self-sufficiency. The Caseworker is responsible for delivering individualized case management services, which include developing self-sufficiency plans in collaboration with clients and connecting them to essential community resources. This position requires close collaboration with clients, colleagues, and external service providers to ensure that clients have timely access to necessary benefits, housing, healthcare, employment, and other supports crucial for successful resettlement. The Caseworker plays a vital role in empowering clients to navigate their new environment and achieve their personal goals, thereby enhancing their overall well-being and integration into society.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Caseworker's responsibilities encompass a wide range of tasks aimed at supporting clients effectively. Key duties include conducting intakes and needs assessments to identify clients' strengths, barriers, and goals. The Caseworker will develop Family Self-Sufficiency Plans (FSSPs) and Individual Employability Plans (IEPs) in partnership with clients, ensuring that these plans align with program and donor requirements. Providing trauma-informed case management services is a critical aspect of the role, which involves offering direct support, making referrals, and advocating for clients with service providers. The Caseworker will coordinate access to essential services such as housing, benefits, healthcare, education, and employment. Monitoring client progress towards their goals is essential, and the Caseworker must adjust plans as necessary while ensuring that documentation is accurate and timely in both case files and data systems. Building and maintaining strong relationships with community partners and service providers is crucial for expanding available resources for clients. The Caseworker will also participate in case conferences, team meetings, and training sessions to promote quality service delivery and professional development. Adherence to all IRC policies and procedures, including safeguarding, data protection, and confidentiality protocols, is mandatory.

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. 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. Demonstrated skills and competencies necessary for this role include strong organizational and time-management abilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to work effectively as part of a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary team. The ideal candidate will be a problem-solver who can work independently while managing competing priorities. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams, is essential. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required, and 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 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 challenges faced by clients in the resettlement process.

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 journey. Candidates should demonstrate a solid understanding of the social services landscape and the specific needs of the populations they will serve.

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 enhances the Caseworker's ability to communicate effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds and ensures that language barriers do not hinder access to essential services.

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. Candidates should be prepared for occasional evening or weekend work as required. Physical requirements include the ability to lift 35–50 pounds, which may involve moving furniture, household supplies, or food boxes. The compensation for this role is set at a pay range of $20.16 per hour, applicable to US-based candidates. This range is determined by various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including sick days, paid time off, medical and dental insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program. The organization is committed to equal opportunity employment and considers all applicants based on merit without discrimination.