Refugee Case Specialist - 2025745

World Relief•Chicagoland, IL, IL

5d•$23 - $26•Hybrid

About The Position

World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to addressing major world crises in partnership with the church. Founded after World War II, it has an 80-year history of working in over 100 countries to help families and communities thrive. Current programs focus on humanitarian aid, disaster response, community resilience, and services for refugees and immigrants. This position is crucial for providing case management to refugees within their first two years in the country, focusing on cultural adjustment, referrals, and emergency support. The Case Specialist will collaborate with various community organizations, churches, landlords, and service providers to foster successful integration and family stability. The role is based in Aurora, requiring home visits and client transportation within Aurora and surrounding areas.

Requirements

Mature and personal Christian faith
Committed to the mission, vision, and values of World Relief
Desire to serve and empower the Church to impact vulnerable communities
Able to affirm and/or acknowledge World Reliefs Core Beliefs, Statement of Faith, Christian Identity and National Association of Evangelicals' For the Health of the Nation document
Valid driver’s license and successful Motor Vehicle Record (MVR); ability and willingness to drive a personal vehicle to appointments and transport clients in a World Relief minivan or 15-passenger van required.
Strong mediation and problem-solving skills
Strong organizational skills and ability to maintain detailed, accurate records
Cross-cultural experience and/or knowledge of the refugee/immigrant experience
Ability/willingness to conduct home visits and participate in community events
Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends
MS Office skills required
Highly self-motivated with strong follow-through and ability to work independently.
Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
Excellent communication skills with people of varying English levels
Understanding of social service provision in Illinois
Comfortable working in a team environment

Nice To Haves

MSW or BSW preferred
Direct-service experience with immigrant populations preferred
Fluent in Arabic, Dari, Swahili, or Spanish preferred

Responsibilities

Ensure provision of appropriate services to refugee families during their first 2 years post-arrival in accordance with program guidelines.
Conduct home visits and assessments with refugee families.
Provide orientations to life in the United States as well as assist in creating budgets.
Ensure that clients promptly receive necessary internal and external referrals resulting from home visits and assessments regarding health, public aid benefits, immigration legal services, English classes, employment and career services, etc.
Assist families walking through emergencies and crises including coordinating interdepartmentally and providing mediation services between refugees and outside entities (i.e., neighbors, landlords, volunteers, service providers, etc.).
Conduct comprehensive assessment with each refugee, develop individual service plans, and facilitate connections to appropriate services.
Organize, facilitate, and provide transportation for client appointments as needed – such as applying for a bank account, going to the food pantry, or going to get a state ID.
Identify and secure housing options for clients, including temporary accommodations (such as hotels or host homes) and permanent housing (rental apartments or houses); assist clients with lease signing, utilities and moving into their new home.
Maintain timely and accurate client files, case notes, and reporting records in Microsoft Dynamics database.
Manage details and arrangements necessary to ensure appropriate case management.
Actively participate in department meetings, staff development opportunities, program trainings, community activities, and organizational events – in the office or out in the community.
Provide supervision and accountability for department interns.
Collaborate with volunteers and Volunteer Services staff to support the work of volunteers engaging with clients to meet the goals of the client’s service plan.
Other duties as assigned based on client needs and staff capacity throughout the organization.