Refugee Caseworker

Title:                    Refugee Case Worker

                             Full-Time Position

Status:                 Non-Exempt

Supervisor:          Refugee & Immigrant Services Director

Position Summary

Refugee Case Worker is responsible for ensuring a successful resettlement of refugees through provision of pre-migration and post-arrival responsibilities adhering to precise guidelines. The Refugee Case Worker works in coordination with program staff to help refugees navigate local systems,  access resources, and help them achieve early self-sufficiency. This position reports to the Director of Refugee & Immigrant Services.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree (preferred) in social service, education, or related field; two years of experience preferably in refugee or immigrant social services; excellent English (spoken and written); organizational and communication skills as well as the ability to work under strict deadlines; ability to work as part of a team with case workers, employment specialists, interpreters, and others; sensitive to cultural differences of clients and staff from diverse backgrounds; functional vehicle required; able to work flexible hours.

About JFCS:

Founded 81 years ago, JFCS was voted one of Pittsburgh’s best places to work for 10 years running. We are committed to helping people of all ages and backgrounds through life’s changes and challenges. We do this by providing comprehensive, innovative and compassionate social service programs for everyone who walks through our door and throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region.

Duties and Responsibilities (each case worker’s duties will vary depending on specific needs of program, but could include any of the below)

Pre-Migration Activities:

• With the support of the Reception and Placement supervisor, ensures clients have a reception that includes airport pickup, groceries, and seasonal clothing.
• Ensures refugees are welcomed at the airport regardless of the time of arrival and provides safety orientation to ensure refugees understand how to call 911 if needed and understand how to use appliances and feel safe at home/hotel.

Post-Arrival Activities:

• Provides core services provision per funding guidelines and core services checklist. This includes home visits, assessments, lease signing, intakes, cultural orientation provision, and scheduling and connecting to external resources including government benefits, healthcare, school, ESL, and others as required.
• Ensures allocation of client funding per program guidelines. Ensures clients are aware of all spending and signs receipt of funding.
• Serves as point person in the event of non-life-threatening emergencies and/or urgent needs in the early resettlement period, ensuring client needs are promptly addressed and resolved. This includes working with government offices, schools, hospitals, doctors, and other agencies as needed. This may involve evening and weekend work.
• Communicates --and ensures that others on the team communicate—the “temporary teaching role” of agency to foster future independence and self-sufficiency.
• Makes referrals to the JFCS employment team for working-age adults.
• Ensures transition to services needed upon exit of resettlement services, primarily to Immigrant Services & Connections (ISAC).
• Participates in the provision/referral of intensive case management for the most vulnerable.
• Ensures the use of interpretation, when needed, and ensures interpreters communicate correct instructions to clients.
• Advocates and educates a variety of providers, including welfare, education, healthcare, and others regarding culturally sensitive issues related to refugees.

Administrative Activities:

• Ensures compliance and timely documentation with U.S. Refugee Program requirements through coordination with refugee department staff.

• Maintains accurate written and electronic records by funding and agency requirements.
• Participates in departmental staff and planning meetings.
• Participates in staff development and training opportunities provided by JFCS and others.
• Assumes other responsibilities related to refugee services and JFCS employees in general.

Translation/Interpretation Activities (if applicable)

• Interprets in person or by phone for JFCS refugee clients in multiple settings
• Follows interpreting/confidentiality guidelines as instructed
• Translates documents as instructed by the supervisor