The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.
Job Overview: The Access to Public Benefits Caseworker will provide assistance to Asylees, VOTs and other qualified immigrants to ensure the best possible initial services experience and comprehensive access to public benefits. These services will improve the quality of life for low income immigrants in Santa Clara and surrounding counties by ensuring that, in the short-term, they meet their basic needs and build financial stability, allowing long-term attainment of self-sufficiency. The Caseworker will develop initial service 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 will operate under close supervision with moderate latitude for the use of independent discernment and initiative. This position will report directly to the Casework Manager.
Major Responsibilities:
Screen for and identify benefits eligibility for clients based on their immigration status, income levels, and length of time in the US, and successfully enroll clients in identified public benefits.
Provide individualized and group orientations and support clients through social service referrals, medical access and advocacy services through assessment and evaluation of each client’s distinct needs.
Independently develop reasonable initial service and/or self-sufficiency plans and timelines for each client and manage client expectations.
Provide comprehensive case management services to victims of human trafficking to ensure acute needs are met in a timely and culturally appropriate manner for each program participant.
Support clients with direct assistance distribution and tracking.
Ensure that clients are provided the basic tools necessary to meet their established short-term goals and objectives.
Assess and monitor client progress at regular intervals to ensure progress on goals is made, designated resources are maximized, and modify initial services plans and other case file documents as required.
Ensure compliance with case file management and reporting requirements, including timely data entry in hard-copy files and databases.
Maintain case file documentation to conform to contract requirements as well as to reflect the needs of the individual client, including the maintenance of clear and concise case notes.
Provide outreach and training to community partners including healthcare providers, law enforcement, educational institutions, non-profit organization, and other social service agencies.
Travel regularly throughout the service delivery area (home visits, agency visits, service provider visits etc.).
Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a member of the team.
Align with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency.
Other related duties as assigned.
Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: Casework Manager
Position directly supervises: N/A
Indirect Reporting: San Jose department managers
Other Internal and/or external contacts:
Internal: The Access to Public Benefits Caseworker will develop working relationships with internal direct service staff to support achievement of resettlement goals.
External: The Access to Public Benefits Caseworker will develop working relationships with staff at benefits administering agencies, including but not limited the Department of Human Assistance, Refugee Health Clinic, the Social Security office, landlords and property managers and community based organizations to support achievement of program requirements.
Job Requirements:
Undergraduate degree; ideally in Social Work or an equivalent field of study. Comparable related work experience may be substituted.
Demonstrated relevant work experience (in addition to the above) in human services field, preferably in a non-profit or social services agency environment, experience should include provision of direct service to underserved communities.
Prior experience working with refugee, asylee or VOT populations preferred.
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.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and strong keyboarding skills and internet usage and research skills.
Excellent communication skills, with fluency in written and spoken English.
Proficiency in one or more other languages. Spanish, Dari, Farsi, Arabic, Amharic, or Tigrigna strongly desired.
Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.
Working Environment:
Standard office work environment coupled with regular travel in and around the service delivery area.
Occasional need to provide services outside of traditional work hours (evenings and weekends).
Compensation: (Pay Range: $26.00 - $27.00) 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.
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
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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 $163 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.
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.