Intensive Caseworker, Refugee Services - Jewish Family Services of Western New York

WHY JOIN JFS?
For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York has been committed to providing high quality services to all in need in the interest of helping to "repair the world." Our services are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness, and positive self-worth. Our reputation is the result of our exceptional staff. In addition to offering competitive compensation and truly exceptional benefits, we are committed to providing a supportive, inclusive work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best.

OUR VALUES
Be a Mensch - A person who is ethical, decent, and admirable. It's someone who acts with integrity and honor, often showing kindness and consideration towards others. Being called a Mensch is a compliment suggesting that one's character is upright, responsible, and morally sound.
Be Person-Centered - Meeting individuals where they are at.
Be Culturally Responsive - Creating purpose-built spaces and programs for our clients that respect their culture.
Be Resolute - Tenacity, solution-seeking, and getting stuff done.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Intensive Case Worker (ICW) is an integral component of the Refugee Services Team. The ICW will facilitate all aspects of care for refugee and/or immigrant clients with identified needs associated with high levels of vulnerability. This includes, but is not limited to, cases with special medical needs, single parent households, Social/psychological difficulties, young Adult without parents, Minor, survivor of torture, LGBTQ and clients in need of extended services. The ICW coordinates community resources to manage and educate clients on health care and social needs associated with independence and self-sufficiency. Additionally, the ICW works closely with medical providers, social service providers, other client services and agencies to improve care and outcomes and to facilitate cultural and linguistic access as needed. The ICW assists refugee / immigrant clients and their families/caregivers to navigate the healthcare and social services systems in a person centered and culturally sensitive manner.

Key Responsibilities
Client Services:

• Provide services to ORR-eligible clients; this may include housing inspection for health safety purposes as needed, airport pickups as needed, home visits, financial assistance management, access to public benefits, medical appointments, school registration, and other services required by Preferred Community Program guidelines.

• Monitor and coordinate the delivery of required assessments and services in compliance with the Preferred Communities program for intensive case management.

• Participate in the development of an individualized, comprehensive, and culturally responsive service plan for each client and subsequent internal/external referrals to promote self-sufficiency

• Provide ongoing cultural and community orientation to promote independent access to community resources

• Secure and schedule appointments for clients with service providers and provide or arrange transportation to appointments when necessary and monitor the client's medical and health-related goals identifying and removing barriers to care.

• Participate in meetings with service providers to increase collaboration and improve outcomes for clients and the Preferred Communities program

• Develop and maintain a strong and effective working relationship with assigned clients.

Advocate for Clients' Rights:

• Coordinate and/or advocate for interpretation services to clients to ensure equal access to eligible services regardless of language barrier.

• Promote client rights and access to social services, social security, health providers, mental health services, and other supportive services regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital or family status or diagnosis.

Reporting and Maintaining Files:

• Accurately document all client contact and services in client files in Apricot, maintain case note logs per funder guidelines.

• Contribute to semi-annual report via quantitative and qualitative data to demonstrate services and impact, as required by HIAS.

• Submit all required monthly data by the 3rd of the following month

• Keep the client's files in a locked cabinet at the office

Professional Development and Training:

• Attend agency and department meetings as required.

• Attend HIAS office hours, monthly HIAS calls, and other trainings organized by HIAS or by agency

• Utilize and develop proficiency in the Apricot database

Programs Interaction and Support:

• Work with the community services team and help the team members when necessary

• Attend integrated intake meetings with R&P

• Collaborate with Service Integration, MG, Gap Service, NYSESRP and RSSP caseworkers to meet client's needs and avoid duplication of services.

• Organize and attend case conferences for mutual clients

• Provide interpretation and translation for agency services as applicable.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Minimum of an associate degree in a human services related discipline required.

• Experience providing direct services to refugees and immigrants.

• Experience linking clients to a broad range of essential, community-based services.

• Ability to provide culturally sensitive case management.

• Proficient communication skills for interaction with clients and the public.

• Strong time management and organizational skills.

• Working knowledge of community resources for refugees and immigrants.

• Informed about refugee and immigrant issues, and available services to clients

• Strong computer skills, especially with Microsoft Outlook and Word.

• Familiarity with and appreciative of issues related to people with diverse cultures and languages.

• Fluency in a refugee language (Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Pashto, Rohingya, Swahili, Spanish, French, Tigrinya, Ukrainian or other) is preferred along with superior written and verbal communication skills.

This position requires travel between sites and therefore, you must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license, and liability insurance in the amount of $100,000/$300,000. Also, if hired, you must produce evidence of having received the Covid-19 vaccination.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary range of $21.00 to $28.00, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

• Benefits such as health insurance (Independent Health), accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) of 4+ weeks, 401k retirement plan with company match, and 13+ observed holidays.

• Reduced full-time work week of 35 hours and early close on Fridays.

• A supportive and collaborative work environment.

• The chance to make meaningful impact in a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.

The above pay range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, background, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
If this sounds like the opportunity that you've been looking for, please apply today by completing our application located at https://jfsbuffalo.applicantpro.com/jobsbyorganization/. Please provide a resume and cover letter along with your application.

Jewish Family Services of Western New York is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.