Apply Now - Click Here
Case Worker
Sector : Case Management
Location: US - KS - Wichita
Employee Type: Regular
Employee Category : Full Time
Description
BACKGROUND
Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. One aspect of the IRC is to provide assistance to refugees resettling in the United States. The IRC opened an office in Wichita, KS in 2011 to provide reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees. The office currently resettles approximately 400 refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship.
Job Overview
The case worker is a full time position in the Wichita, Kansas office providing team-based case management, ensuring that clients are connected to necessary services and resources both within and outside of IRC’s programs. The caseworker provides direct services and assistance to newly arrived refugees and other qualified immigrants to ensure the best possible resettlement experience and the achievement of client self-sufficiency. S/he will supervise volunteers and/or interns. The caseworker will be responsible for ensuring proper documentation of all required services
Responsibilities
- Ensuring the best possible resettlement experience for each client, from pre-arrival preparations and point of entry to successful acculturation. This may include assurance that appropriate pre-arrival services are in place (locating and securing suitable housing, purchasing housing essentials, furniture and basic food supplies, setting up utilities etc).
- Conducting home visits and accompanying clients to various appointments.
- Providing individualized and group orientations and intakes to explain programs and evaluate each client’s distinct needs.
- Ensuring eligible clients are connected to local programs and resources through referrals to public benefits, educational opportunities, community-based support, etc.
- Independently developing reasonable resettlement and/or self-sufficiency plans and timelines for each client and managing client expectations.
- Ensuring that clients are provided the basic tools necessary to meet their established short-term goals and objectives.
- Assessing and monitoring client progress at regular intervals to ensure progress on goals is made, designated resources are maximized; modifying initial resettlement plans and other case file documents as required.
- Ensuring compliance with case file management and reporting requirements.
Job Requirements
- Undergraduate degree preferred, ideally in Social Work or an equivalent field of study
- Minimum of 1-2 years relevant work experience in human services field preferred.
- Experience working with refugees, asylees, immigrant populations or vulnerable populations strongly preferred.
- Familiarity with welfare, medical and insurance systems in Wichita strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
- Self-starter with excellent problem solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
- Fluent in English, both spoken and written, required; bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired: Arabic, Swahili, French, or Spanish.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Valid driver’s license, reliable personal vehicle with current insurance and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service area