Independent Living Case Manager for Refugee and Immigrant Youth

Lutheran Community Services Northwest•Seattle, WA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is part of the Unaccompanied Refugee Minor Foster Care program (URM) foster care program. The URM Independent Living Case Manager provides case management services and skill building instruction to youth ages 15-20 that are preparing to transition out of foster care by facilitating training and one-on-one support.

Requirements

Demonstrated strong cross-cultural communication skills and ability to build rapport and work effectively with teens from diverse backgrounds
High level of computer literacy is required. Be able to enter and retrieve data using computer systems, systems applications, cell phone applications, and other office equipment
Be able to relate to and work with team members, foster families, and community partners from diverse backgrounds
Be able to take initiative on research projects or tasks assigned and able to work both individually and in team settings
Be able to multitask and prioritize the needs of clients and the program with competing deadlines
This position requires regular local travel. Must have a valid driver's license, auto insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle
Occasional evenings required
Bachelor's degree in social work or a closely related field, required
Experience working in child welfare, with immigrant and refugee populations, and/or with youth
Experience leading groups
Meets LCSNW and DCYF criminal background clearance requirements
Successfully completes tasks in a moderately noisy environment
Interact with others and performs tasks in-person and using technology, with long periods of stationary activity and minimal periods of increased physical activity including and not limited to sitting, standing and walking.
Moves equipment/materials weighing up to 10 pounds

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish, French, Tigrinya, Swahili, Farsi, Rohingya, or other language spoken by our youth
Basic mastery of Google Suite and Microsoft 365 applications; and case management software
Uses a trauma-informed lens to navigate challenges, conflict and obstacles/barriers; demonstrates resilience, awareness and self-regulation
May work in a variety of settings, including and not limited to LCSNW office locations, partner agency and community-based settings, client home/community settings, outdoor settings in varying weather conditions, and faith-based settings such as churches or mosques

Responsibilities

Plan, develop curriculum and facilitate monthly youth groups to facilitate community building and teach Independent Living Skills in the areas of education, employment, housing, daily living, health, finances & money management, transportation, and communication & technology
Develop youth-centered and culturally responsive curriculum using different platforms and modes of communication tailored to the ages (15-20), language needs, learning styles, and communication styles of URM youth.
Plan and facilitate community events and workshops for youth to strengthen their ties to the community, familiarity with services, and opportunities available in the wider Seattle area
Support refugee and immigrant youth in independent living skill acquisition and goal development through scheduled small group and one-on-one meetings
While working in collaboration with youth and program social workers, consider the youth’s personal goals, strengths/areas for greater skill development, cultural, religious, and ethnic background and promote wellbeing, safety, and self-sufficiency
Provide client transportation/assistance for activities related to goal development, monthly youth groups, or appointments as needed
Engage in relationship building with community partners, including providing advocacy and resource referrals as needed and working across a variety of sectors and systems, such as education, immigration, housing, health, etc.
Assisting youth in accessing program support funds.
Providing advocacy and resource referrals as needed.
Provide case management support for youth in the Aftercare Program, ages 21-23

Benefits

A 37.5 per hour work week to ensure work/life balance
Medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits to keep you and your loved ones healthy
Employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
Life insurance coverage at no cost to you
Up to 2 weeks of vacation in your first year (based on hours worked)
Up to 2 weeks of sick leave (based on hours worked)
12 paid agency recognized holidays
2 floating holidays to use your way
403(b) retirement plan with employer matching (eligibility applies)
Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family
Potential eligibility for Student Loan Forgiveness through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status