CRC (PIR) Program Case Manager

Catholic Charities • Des Moines, IA

1d

About The Position

The Case Manager supports newly arrived refugee clients throughout the contracted federal Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR) process within Catholic Charities’ Community Resource Coordination (CRC) program. The role helps clients access housing, healthcare, education, eligible public benefits, and other services. The Case Manager transports and accompanies clients to appointments and delegates tasks to Case Aides, volunteers, and interns as needed to ensure services are provided within deadlines. The role also maintains detailed written documentation and completes case files while managing multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.

The position involves regular travel throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area and surrounding communities across 23 counties in southwest Iowa. Services are delivered in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, often with third-party interpreters. The Case Manager is expected to support Catholic Charities’ mission and Catholic Social Teaching principles.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, International Studies, or a related field; or 1–2 years of related job experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Good communication skills, including the ability to communicate with limited-English-speaking clients through interpreters.
• Good listening and comprehension skills, including seeking clarification when needed and using appropriate communication methods.
• Ability to express ideas clearly in writing and verbally.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with people who have diverse social concerns and problems, while maintaining personal boundaries.
• Ability to work effectively as a team member, keep others informed, support colleagues, and contribute to a positive team spirit.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritize effectively.
• Demonstrated reliability, good attendance and punctuality, and ability to follow directions effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and related software, and ability to learn program-specific software applications.
• Regular travel to service-area sites; valid driver’s license and ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Record check.
• Ability to pass a criminal background screening, including Child and Dependent Adult Abuse registry check.
• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality of written and verbal information.
• Commitment to Catholic Charities’ mission, understanding of Catholic Social Teaching, and ability to demonstrate the agency’s philosophy and values; support for Catholic Social Teaching principles in public forums and performance of job responsibilities consistent with the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of crisis intervention and social work programs and practices.
• Previous work with underserved or limited-English communities.
• Knowledge, experience, or willingness to learn about global culture, global migration, and refugee resettlement.
• Multilingual ability, particularly Arabic, languages from Eastern Europe, or languages from Burma/Myanmar.

Responsibilities

• Welcome newly arriving clients at the airport, often late at night.
• With support from a Case Aide, secure satisfactory, safe, and sanitary housing before clients arrive; help clients understand and sign leases; maintain relationships with landlords; and address housing issues.
• Travel throughout the Des Moines metropolitan area and surrounding communities in the 23 counties of southwest Iowa to assist clients.
• Complete required reports for funders, including CCUSA and the Bureau of Refugee Services.
• Build relationships with Ethnic Community Based Organizations and other community partners, and participate in community meetings and events as applicable.
• Provide clients with orientation on home safety, culture, and riding DART buses in coordination with other CRC staff.
• Assist clients with obtaining Social Security cards and enrolling in public food assistance, cash assistance, and Medicaid programs, and with obtaining Supplemental Security Income when applicable.
• Coordinate initial health screenings and appointments for acute health issues, and educate clients about immunizations required for school registration and green card filing.
• Facilitate school enrollment for children.
• Complete client home visits at designated intervals.
• Evaluate client situations and needs, using independent judgment to determine appropriate action or referrals.
• Ensure required services are provided to clients in a timely manner.
• Delegate tasks to Case Aides, volunteers, and interns as needed.
• Maintain case notes, client visit records, and other required case file documents.
• Coordinate services with Catholic Charities staff and community providers.
• Deliver services in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, frequently working with third-party interpreters.
• Attend staff and community meetings, approved seminars, agency trainings and retreats, and professional conferences.
• Maintain confidentiality in accordance with agency policy and legal requirements, and comply with Safe Environment training and monthly bulletins.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• 35-hour workweek
• Generous vacation and sick pay
• 14 paid holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and flexible spending plans
• Employer-paid life insurance and long-term disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching
• Supportive and uplifting working environment

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level