United States of America: Resettlement Caseworker

Background/IRC Summary: The IRC is New Jersey’s leading refugee resettlement agency, serving nearly 1,000 refugees and immigrants each year through a continuum of programs and services including refugee resettlement, economic empowerment, education and learning and immigration.

Job Overview/Summary: The resettlement caseworker provides assistance to newly arrived refugees and other qualified immigrants to ensure the best possible resettlement experience and achievement of client self-sufficiency. The caseworker develops resettlement and/or self-sufficiency plans to match individual client needs and preferences utilizing a broad range of financial, medical, social, vocational, and other services and resources based on client eligibility. The caseworker operates under close supervision with moderate latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.

Major Responsibilities: Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ensuring the best possible resettlement experience for each client, from pre-arrival preparations and point of entry to successful acculturation. This may include assurance that appropriate pre-arrival services are in place and close coordination with logistics specialist in locating and securing suitable housing, purchasing housing essentials, furniture and basic food supplies, setting up utilities, etc.
• Providing individualized and group orientations and supporting clients through social service referrals, medical access and advocacy services by assessing and evaluating each client’s distinct needs.
• Independently developing reasonable resettlement and/or self-sufficiency plans and timelines for each client and managing client expectations.
• Ensuring that clients are provided the basic tools necessary to meet their established short-term goals and objectives.
• Assessing and monitoring client progress at regular intervals to ensure progress on goals is made, designated resources are maximized; modifying initial resettlement plans and other case file documents as required.
• Ensuring compliance with case file management and reporting requirements.
• Closely coordinating with coworkers providing services to the same cases, such as school enrollment and cultural orientation.
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: New Jersey Casework Supervisor**
Position directly supervises: **Interns

Indirect Reporting: N/A**
Other Internal and/or external contacts:**

Internal: Youth program coordinator, economic empowerment team/employment specialists, immigration team,

logistics specialist, refugee cash assistance specialist

External: Health clinics, welfare offices, social service agencies, landlords

Job Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree preferred, ideally in Social Work, International Studies or similar field of study
• Minimum of 1-2 years relevant work experience in human services field.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
• Self- starter with excellent problem solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written, required; bilingual ability in Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Kiswahili, French, Arabic or Spanish preferred (additional fluency in other predominant languages of client base a plus)
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)

Working Environment*:* Standard Work Environment; Caseworker will need to travel throughout Northern New Jersey approximately 25%-35% of time, including conducting home visits with clients. Ability to travel by car is highly preferred; public transportation is acceptable. Occasional evening and weekend work required.

https://rescue.csod.com/ats/careersite/jobdetails.aspx?site=1&c=rescue&id=4171