Caseworker

Job Summary
The Service to Trauma Affected Refugees (STAR) Caseworker is responsible for building resilience of people forcibly displaced. This position will be engaging with individuals and families from trauma-affected newcomer communities. The role will include conducting client-centered needs assessments, developing service plans, and hosting skill-building workshops to enhance problem solving and promote positive interactions. The Caseworker may also run psychosocial support groups, provide educational workshops, and develop community activities that foster healthy connections. 

Major Responsibilities:

• Promote mental health and psychosocial support within affected communities. 
• Meet with individuals and families in the community to provide strengths-based case management and psychosocial support.
• Prepare an appropriate plan of action with clearly identified goals and activities
• Under supervision, engage in evidenced based psychoeducation and skill building activities
• Document activities through case notes and data entry
• Collaborate with supervisor to provide crisis assessment.
• Assist with evaluation of current program services and explore ways to introduce new service opportunities.
• Complete training in outreach, basic health literacy, and mental health first aid.
• Attend IRC trainings and conference calls addressing mental health program development and other refugee mental health and psychosocial support related topics

Job Requirements
Education:

•  Undergraduate degree preferred, ideally in the field of mental health or social services (relevant work experience can be a substitute for an undergraduate degree)
  
  

Work Experience:

• Prior experience working with refugees and/or community organizing, preferably related to health or mental health
  Familiarity with issues facing refugee and immigrant communities as they relate to trauma, adjustment, and mental health
  
  

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Bilingual preferred.
• Ability to assess needs, prioritize and develop action plans
• Ability to advocate and liaise with health and social service systems
• Excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties and manage time effectively
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work independently and as a teammate in fast-paced environment
• Ability to follow strict guidelines of client confidentiality and safeguarding
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with data-tracking systems
• Valid driver’s license, access to reliable vehicle with current insurance
  
  

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
• Regular travel between IRC Iowa City and Des Moines offices is expected and scheduled based on client needs and appointments.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
  

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.