Long-Term Recovery Specialist; Temporary Position

CHIRLA•Altadena, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) is seeking a temporary Long-Term Recovery Specialist to provide trauma-informed long-term recovery services to families and individuals impacted by the 2025 LA wildfires. The specialist serves as survivors’ primary point of contact as they navigate recovery, providing case triage, developing recovery plans, connecting clients with critical resources and services, and addressing other needs identified to help achieve full recovery. The role involves maintaining responsive, ongoing communication with survivors; coordinating referrals and services; supporting applications and appeals; documenting cases; and monitoring progress toward recovery goals. The specialist collaborates with CHIRLA staff, partner organizations, service providers, volunteers, and interns. The position is based in Altadena, California, and requires travel between CHIRLA sites, partner organizations, and client homes. Occasional evening and weekend work is required. The position is temporary from November 2026 through October 2027 and reports to the Humanitarian Services Manager.

Requirements

Knowledge of case management foundations.
At least two years of relevant professional experience in the human services field.
Experience working with diverse, multiethnic, and multilingual communities.
Confident public speaking and group facilitation skills.
Ability to complete timely and accurate documentation and reporting on an ongoing basis.
Understanding of trauma-informed care best practices.
Strong relationship-building, diplomacy, and networking skills, including the ability to build internal and external relationships.
Strong technical skills to navigate interpretation applications.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, OneDrive, and scheduling software.
Flexibility and willingness to work early mornings, evenings, and weekends as needed.
Professionalism, maturity, and ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to establish priorities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to lift 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or exert force constantly to move objects.
Ability to travel between CHIRLA sites, partner organizations, and client homes.
Insured personal vehicle for daily use and client transportation.
Ability to work flexibly based on organizational needs.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent is preferred.
Disaster case management or fire-relief experience is highly preferred.
Fluency in reading, writing, and speaking Spanish or other high-need languages is preferred.
Knowledge of public benefits.
Commitment to social justice and experience working with diverse low-income communities and communities of color.
Demonstrated success communicating effectively in a multicultural and multilingual environment.
Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to multitask, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
Punctuality and effective communication.
Ability to build relationships and work effectively with people of diverse social, faith, economic, and racial or ethnic backgrounds.
Ability to work on multiple projects and maintain positive working relationships with CHIRLA staff, members, and allies.
Ability to manage deadlines and multiple tasks effectively and efficiently.

Responsibilities

Serve as a point of contact for disaster-impacted individuals and families and connect them with resources in a timely and efficient manner.
Maintain timely, continuous, and intentional communication with survivors, responding to client inquiries within 48 business hours during business hours.
Support case triage as directed by the supervisor.
Conduct client intakes and develop recovery plans in partnership with survivors, setting expectations during initial intake.
Maintain high-quality, up-to-date case files, case notes, and database records in accordance with quality assurance standards and program guidelines.
Complete recovery plans with clients and facilitate communication with referrals, contractors, and other providers.
Encourage clients to take responsibility for their recovery and act as an advocate and facilitator; remain aware of steps clients take toward their recovery plans.
Present individual cases when appropriate to the Long-Term Recovery Group’s Disaster Case Management and Unmet Needs Committee, while maintaining client confidentiality and following HIPAA standards.
Keep the Humanitarian Services Manager updated on client progress, barriers, challenges, successes, intakes, and case closure statuses.
Support clients with applications and appeals, including FEMA applications and housing inspections with contractors.
Support special fire-relief events, including resource fairs, job fairs, town halls, and mental health support groups.
Coordinate with the Logistics team to secure and distribute essential items needed by clients.
Coordinate timely services so clients can access essentials such as housing, food, medical care, and transportation.
Support unhoused clients in securing temporary and permanent housing.
Support clients who wish to rebuild through the rebuilding process.
Collaborate with coworkers and partner organizations and maintain relationships with area service providers for clients’ benefit.
Assess and monitor client progress toward established goals, address challenges, and ensure available resources are used.
Attend and actively participate in required meetings and training.
Use a personally insured and/or company-insured vehicle to travel and transport clients and materials as needed throughout the service delivery area.
Train volunteers and interns and lead delegation of activities.
Carry out ongoing quality assurance activities and comply with CHIRLA policies and procedures for client case files.