Case Specialist, Preferred Communities - Manchester, NH - International Institute of New England

The mission of the International Institute of New England (IINE) is to create opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, career advancement and pathways to citizenship. One of the oldest and largest human services organizations for New Americans in the region, IINE serves more than 4,000 people each year in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire. Our programs include case management, youth and family services, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), employment and skills training, and immigration legal services.

A dynamic, forward-looking, smart and rapidly growing non-profit organization, we seek well-qualified, solutions-focused candidates who are experts in their respective fields. Successful candidates will join a committed team of professional staff and volunteers who are devoted to welcoming and serving new Americans.

Position: Case Specialist, Preferred Communities

• Department: Preferred Communities
• Reports to: Community Services Manager
• Supervises: N/A
• Status: Non-Exempt, Full-Time
• Location: Manchester, NH
• Position Format: Hybrid
• Pay: $25.25/hour

Benefits:
Full-time employees will be eligible for all benefits including vacation, personal, sick days and twelve paid holidays. You may participate in all benefit programs that IINE establishes and makes available to eligible employees, under (and subject to all provisions of) the plan documents that govern those programs. Currently, IINE offers medical, dental and vision. Company-paid life insurance, company-paid short-term disability (STD), long-term disability (LTD), accidental death and dismemberment and disability coverage, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), other benefits including 403(b) with company match plan(s) pursuant to the terms and conditions of company policy and the 403(b)-plan document. Other perks such as discounts through our vision plan, fitness reimbursement and more.

Overview

The Preferred Communities (PC) Case Specialist supports the resettlement and integration of vulnerable refugees in New Hampshire. Through the provision of intensive case management, the PC Case Specialist provides extended strength-based support, sets self-sufficiency goals with the client, and reduces the barriers of integration. The PC Case Specialist provides comprehensive case management services including home visits, crisis support, program enrollment, referrals, and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive case management services to clients tailored to the client’s unique self-sufficiency goals
• Conduct enrollments and assessments with new clients; facilitate the development of individualized, mutually agreed upon goals and plan of care
• Assess client’s progress on self-sufficiency goals at intake, mid-enrollment, and at completion of services; report on client’s progress through database
• Coordinate client’s care with relevant medical and social service providers; plan, implement, and evaluate treatment options and services to promote quality and cost-effectiveness
• Refer clients to IINE internal programs, including legal immigration services, employment, and ESOL classes; coordinate closely with other Institute programs to enhance service delivery
• Facilitate referrals to external services including public benefits, physical and mental health care providers, career readiness opportunities, and crisis-intervention services
• Support and expand the Institute’s capacity to provide intensive case management services to populations including refugees with special needs, LGBTQ status, HIV+ status, and elders
• Promote family wellness by developing safety plans and supporting clients with crisis management services, as necessary
• Provide community outreach to strengthen the capacity of local service providers, employers, and community/religious organizations to become culturally responsive groups to support the integration of refugees into U.S. society
• Keep professional and accurate documentation in both USCRI and centralized databases, including assessments, client services plans, and case notes
• Assess client’s progress on self-sufficiency goals regularly
• Must be willing to transport clients as needed
• Attend staff meetings and weekly client-focused meetings
• Participate in monthly network calls or training opportunities
• Perform all other duties as assigned by supervisor

Required Skills/Abilities

• Must be dedicated to the human rights of refugees, immigrants, and asylees
• Ability to work with clients needing a range of support services
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills
• High level of discretion and maturity in dealing with confidential information
• Ability to prioritize duties in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to learn about public benefits processes and other related systems
• Extremely organized, detail oriented, flexible, and able to multitask
• Driver’s license, auto insurance, and access to a vehicle required

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Human Services, Counseling, or related field preferred
• Minimum of two years case worker experience or related work (intern experience will be considered)
• Bilingual skills a plus – including languages such as Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Dari, Pashto, and Arabic
• A command of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams

Work Environment Conditions

Candidate will report to IINE Manchester site, in which they will have an individualized workspace.

The PC Case Specialist may support clients with family wellness and/or domestic violence issues. While the PC Case Specialist will be required to be a mandated reporter and support victims in finding resources, it is not an obligation nor requirement to be on the scene of an occurrence of physical violence.

Physical Demands

Candidate will be required to support clients with transportation to appointments on an as needed basis. Candidate may also be required to support with lifting and moving furniture and other items up to 50 pounds for apartment set-ups.

Covid-19 Policy

IINE does not require applicants for most positions to show proof of Covid-19. Some federal contracts, however, require IINE staff to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination, and some immigration status adjustments, such as a Green Card, require proof of Covid-19 vaccination as well. Consequently, for some positions, IINE staff may be required to show proof of vaccination, and in others, IINE staff will be supporting clients who are required by law to have proof of vaccination in order to adjust their status in the United States.

US Work Eligibility Notice

This position requires lawful authorization to work in the United States, and IINE is unable to provide visa sponsorship in connection with this.