Community Services Caseworker

Jewish Family Service•Buffalo, NY

9d•$21 - $28

About The Position

THE CASE WORKER WILL PROVIDE CASE MANAGEMENT SERVICES TO ASYLUM SEEKERS, REFUGEES, AND IMMIGRANTS, OFFERING SUPPORT AND RESOURCES TO HELP THEM ACHIEVE SELF-SUFFICIENCY, REDUCE POVERTY, AND ATTAIN INDEPENDENCE IN THE UNITED STATES. THIS POSITION PRIMARILY ASSISTS CLIENTS IN ACCESSING MEDICAL, SOCIAL, EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATIONAL, AND OTHER ESSENTIAL SERVICES, WHILE HELPING THEM NAVIGATE LOCAL SYSTEMS.

Requirements

Minimum of an associate degree in a human services related discipline required.
Experience providing direct services to refugees and immigrants.
Experience linking clients to a broad range of essential, community-based services.
Ability to provide culturally sensitive case management.
Proficient communication skills for interaction with clients and the public.
Strong time management and organizational skills.
Working knowledge of community resources for refugees and immigrants.
Informed about refugee and immigrant issues, and available services to clients
Strong computer skills, especially with Microsoft Outlook and Word.
Familiarity with and appreciative of issues related to people with diverse cultures and languages.
Must possess a complete commitment to, and understanding of, Jewish Family Service’s Mission & Vision.
Cultural Responsiveness – Ensure staff and programming treat each individual with respect - we honor staff and clients and meet them where they are with regard for their unique wants and needs. (Anava)
Partnership – Ensure staff and programs develop and maintain partnerships to support health and well-being and recognize its role in helping individuals and families achieve meaningful and lasting change. (Chevrutah)
Trust - Work with integrity and be accountable and responsive to others to build a foundation of trust. (Eimun)
Person Centered Care – Believe in and show through daily practice the dignity and inherent worth of every individual at every stage of life and work to address their needs as a whole person. (B’Tselem Elohim)
Will work in the office and in the community; travel is a daily requirement as part of the provision of services to refugee clients, including expectation to transport clients to and from appointments.
Must have access to a reliable vehicle, possess a valid, clean driver’s license and be sufficiently self-insured with liability insurance in the amount of $100/$300k.
Flexible hours including days and some evenings, late nights, and weekends.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in a refugee language (Somali, Nepali, Burmese, Chin, Karen, Swahili, French, or other) is preferred along with superior written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Provide case management services for asylum seekers and refugees as defined by grant guidelines. This may include housing search, financial management, access to public benefits, medical appointments, school registration, connection to food pantries, linkage to legal support and other services required by AMP guidelines.
Complete Intake and needs assessment and subsequent internal/external referrals to promote self-sufficiency and integration with a strong focus on employment.
Provide ongoing cultural and community orientation to clients to promote independent access to community resources.
Coordinate and/or advocate for interpretation services to clients to ensure equal access to eligible services regardless of language barrier.
Advocate on behalf of refugees, asylum seekers, and link clients with legal supports to secure permanent immigration status.
Promote client rights and access to social services, social security, health providers, mental health services, and other supportive services.
Accurately document all contacts and services in client case files and maintain case note logs per funder guidelines.
Complete case reports as required by grant funders.
Secure and schedule appointments for clients with service providers and provide or arrange transportation to appointments when necessary.
Provide interpretation and translation for agency services as applicable.
Attend agency and department meetings as required.
Participate in trainings as required.
Provide Services to AMP clients, complete intakes, provide financial assistance and referrals for clients.
Collaborate with different departments in the agency, case workers and senior managements.