Caseworker, Assistance for Migrants Program

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement.

Job Overview: The IRC in NY is seeking a candidate to join an exciting program for asylum seekers and other recent arrivals in the New York City area. The Assistance for Migrants Program (AMP) provides comprehensive and culturally-responsive case management, legal, financial and employment assistance to asylum seekers and other recently arrived migrants. The AMP project is funded through the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) and is housed within the IRC in NY Asylum Seeker Program portfolio.

The Caseworker will form part of the AMP Case Management Team andwill perform key intake assessment, screening, referral, and holistic case management support to AMP clients. The Caseworker works closely with clients, colleagues, and external parties to develop service plans to meet individual client needs and preferences utilizing a broad range of financial, medical, social, vocational, and other services and resources in accordance with client eligibility and program requirements. They also address emotional, psychological, and economic concerns, and assist with ensuring clients receive screenings, enrollment, orientations, and support navigating systems within New York City. The caseworker will be expected to provide strengths-based, client-centered and trauma-informed case management to asylum seekers and other migrants recently arriving in New York City. This role will report to the Casework Supervisor of the Asylum Seeker Program.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct intake assessments, review program expectations, outcomes, and confidentiality with each potential client.
• Develop individualized/family wellness service plan, SMART Self-sufficiency plans for each client/family enrolled in the AMP Project.
• Evaluate client progress during active program enrollment to determine the client’s progress towards goals and work with the client to identify new needs and actions needed.
• Conduct screenings (mental health, trafficking, legal, etc.) for clients as needed and assist clients in navigating healthcare, shelter, and social service systems, which may include helping clients apply for benefits if eligible and schedule and attend appointments.
• Provide referrals to other services as identified in the service plans and connect clients to services identified.
• Conduct community outreach and maintain a strong network of service providers that meet client needs.
• Provide clients with extended orientation on a variety of topics such as navigating transportation, shelter, healthcare and other social service systems at the local level.
• Respond to client crises, with guidance from supervisor as needed.
• Assist clients with requesting financial assistance when applicable and ensure completion of corresponding required documentation in adherence with IRC and funder requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation in client’s case file to ensure services are properly documented throughout the client’s service period; document all services provided in IRC’s database, Efforts to Outcomes (ETO).
• May accompany clients to court appointments or relevant social/health service appointments.
• Attend relevant trainings and meetings at the local and national level.
• May train and lead the activities of volunteers and interns.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, or related field of study preferred.

Work Experience:

• Minimum of 1-2 years of case management experience with asylum seekers or similar populations and/or client needs required.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Fluent in English required, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group preferred, including Spanish, French, Russian, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Wolof
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work..

Compensation: ($26.50 - $27.50).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.