PRIME Case Worker

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 with the mission to assist individuals whose lives and livelihoods have been disrupted by conflict and disaster. The organization operates in over 40 countries and has 27 offices across the United States. The IRC's Seattle office, established in 1976, provides a wide range of services including intensive case management, employment and economic empowerment services, immigration assistance, health and wellness programming, and educational support for refugee and immigrant families in Washington State. The IRC Washington is dedicated to delivering trauma-informed, equitable, and accessible services while fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace.

Job Overview:
The PRIME Case Worker plays a crucial role in addressing barriers to self-sufficiency for particularly vulnerable clients under the ORIA’s PRIME program, which stands for Promoting Refugee Mobility and Empowerment. This position requires the case worker to provide strengths-based, client-centered case management tailored to the specific health concerns of clients, including single-headed refugee households, survivors of domestic violence and gender-based violence, older refugees, youth and young adults without parental support, refugees facing mental health challenges, those with physical disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community. The case worker will collaborate closely with clients, colleagues, and external partners to create service plans that align with individual healthcare needs and enhance access to healthcare and resources, adhering to client eligibility and program requirements. The program is designed to offer ongoing support for clients from 90 days after their arrival up to five years post-arrival, focusing on removing barriers to self-sufficiency and promoting mobility and empowerment for the clients served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The responsibilities of the PRIME Case Worker include, but are not limited to: collaborating with the Intensive Case Management (ICM) team to identify additional healthcare needs for vulnerable clients; attending team and partner meetings as assigned; assisting clients in navigating healthcare systems, public benefits, educational institutions, and other public service providers, which may involve scheduling and attending appointments; developing and distributing self-sufficiency guides tailored to each client based on their self-sufficiency goals; helping clients select public and community resources that can bridge self-sufficiency gaps and scheduling initial appointments to ensure clients are comfortable with contacting their providers; conducting regular outreach to healthcare providers and social service agencies to address barriers to services and identify resources; providing clients with extended orientation on various health topics, including women’s health and navigating physical healthcare systems; responding to client stability crises with guidance from a supervisor; assisting in the development of custom Self Sufficiency plans and providing coaching and support to clients as they work to overcome barriers; maintaining up-to-date documentation in client case files to ensure proper service documentation; attending relevant training courses and meetings; potentially training and leading the activities of volunteers and interns; adhering to all agency policies, procedures, and protocols; and actively participating in team meetings and other relevant gatherings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant degree or equivalent professional and/or lived experience in fields such as health access, health navigation, public health, social work, or social service provision, particularly in intensive case management. Preference is given to individuals with lived experience as a refugee or immigrant, or those who have worked with refugees and/or immigrants, including cross-cultural or overseas experience. A minimum of 3-5 years of case management experience with similar populations and/or client needs is required. Strong relationship-building, diplomacy, and networking skills are essential, along with the ability to effectively build internal and external relationships. Candidates should demonstrate success in working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment, possess self-starter qualities with excellent problem-solving skills, and have the ability to multitask, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively. Attention to detail and accuracy in work products is crucial.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a relevant degree in fields related to health access, social work, public health, or similar areas. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education, particularly if it pertains to working with refugee or immigrant populations.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3-5 years of case management experience, specifically with vulnerable populations such as refugees and immigrants. Candidates should have a proven track record of effectively managing cases and providing support to individuals facing various barriers to self-sufficiency.

Languages:
Professional proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory. Proficiency in Dari and/or Pashto is strongly preferred, as these languages can significantly enhance communication with clients from specific backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
The working environment is standard and professional, with flexibility for remote and in-office work. The role may require occasional weekend and/or evening work. The IRC is committed to diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from candidates who can contribute to this goal. The organization is an equal opportunity employer, valuing diversity and not discriminating based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. Reasonable accommodations will be provided for individuals with disabilities during the job application or interview process. The compensation for this position ranges from $25.50 to $27.50 per hour, with benefits including sick days, paid time off, medical and dental insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program.