Safety & Wellness Caseworker

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 and is a prominent nonsectarian, voluntary organization dedicated to providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The IRC has a significant presence in the United States, particularly in Phoenix, Arizona, where it has been operational since 1994, focusing on assisting newly arrived refugees through various program services that support their transition from arrival to citizenship. The organization operates in multiple countries and employs a diverse workforce committed to humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The Safety and Wellness programs at the IRC are designed to ensure that clients have access to ongoing psycho-social support tailored to their adjustment needs. The primary responsibility of the Safety & Wellness Caseworker is to deliver comprehensive, culturally appropriate, and client-centered case management services specifically for Survivors of Torture (SOT). This includes conducting eligibility screenings, completing enrollment paperwork, developing individualized service plans, and educating clients about available community services and resources. The role also involves problem-solving barriers to access and assisting with various administrative tasks such as data collection, report writing, and coordinating training for mainstream service providers. The caseworker plays a crucial role in ensuring that clients receive the necessary support to navigate their challenges effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Safety & Wellness Caseworker will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: providing comprehensive case management services to Survivors of Torture (SOT); conducting outreach to case management staff, refugee-serving agencies, and ethnic community-based organizations to inform them about available programs and services; completing eligibility screenings and all necessary enrollment paperwork for program participants; performing social and legal assessments for enrolled clients; developing individualized service and safety plans for each participant; and ensuring that all services provided are linguistically appropriate. The caseworker will also assist clients with benefits applications, provide legal referrals, and help identify and arrange social activities that align with their service plans. Additionally, the caseworker will be responsible for maintaining detailed case notes, implementing client satisfaction surveys, entering family data into the data management system, preparing donor funding reports, and participating in program meetings and staff development activities. Adherence to IRC policies and protocols, including child safeguarding, is mandatory.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Safety & Wellness Caseworker position should possess a strong educational background and relevant work experience. An undergraduate degree in Social Work or a related field is strongly preferred, although comparable work experience may be considered as a substitute. The ideal candidate should have at least 2 years of case management experience in a social services environment or related field, with a preference for those with experience in case management and/or victim assistance. Demonstrated skills in computer proficiency, particularly with Microsoft Office applications, strong organizational abilities, and public speaking or presentation experience are also essential. The candidate must be able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with diverse partners, clients, and communities in a cross-cultural environment.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include an undergraduate degree in Social Work or a similar field. Candidates with comparable related work experience may be considered in lieu of a formal degree. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of case management and the specific needs of Survivors of Torture.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of case management experience within a social services environment or related field. Experience specifically related to case management and victim assistance is preferred, as it provides the necessary skills and understanding to effectively support clients who have experienced trauma and require specialized services.

Languages:
Proficiency in written and spoken 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 in Arizona are preferred. Strong cross-cultural understanding and communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for effectively engaging with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
The Safety & Wellness Caseworker position is a full-time role that may involve a combination of standard office work, remote work, and fieldwork within the service delivery area. The role may require occasional weekend and evening work, and candidates must be able to lift 35 to 50 pounds, which may include furniture, household supplies, and food boxes. Compensation for this position is set at a pay rate of $23.50 per hour, with variations based on factors such as the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, vision starting at $5 per month, a flexible spending account for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plan with immediate vesting and matching, disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program available to staff and their families.