Job Overview: The IRC in Los Angeles is seeking a candidate to join an exciting and groundbreaking program for asylum seekers in the Los Angeles County area through a pilot program funded by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with oversight by the DHS Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties (CRCL). This new initiative – the Case Management Pilot Program (CMPP) – will provide case management and associated services and meaningful links to legal assistance to non-detained non-US citizens in immigration removal proceedings and could have national implications for the treatment of asylum seekers and others facing removal in the US.
The Caseworker will perform key intake assessment, screening, referral, and holistic case management support to IRC in LA clients and will provide trauma-informed services to asylum seekers. The Caseworker works closely with clients, colleagues, CMPP Consortium partners and external partners 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. The Caseworker also addresses emotional, psychological, and economic concerns, and assists with ensuring clients receive screenings, enrollment, orientations, and support navigating systems within Los Angeles County. The caseworker will be expected to provide strengths-based, trauma-informed, client-centered case management to single-headed asylum seeking households; survivors of domestic violence and gender-based violence; older asylum seekers; youth and young adults without parents or permanent guardians; populations experiencing mental health or psychological difficulties; Asylum seekers with physical disabilities or medical conditions and asylum seekers who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQIA+).
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 CMPP 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 all clients and assist clients in navigating healthcare and social service systems, which may include helping clients apply for benefits and attend and schedule 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 women’s health, navigating transportation systems, and navigating physical healthcare systems at the local level.
- Respond to client crises, with guidance from supervisor as needed.
- Assist clients with requesting financial assistance when applicable and track the received financial assistance within case files.
- In the case that clients receive a final order of removal or express a desire to return to their country of origin, caseworkers will research and equip the client with pre-departure information, discuss departure planning, and provide referrals to reintegration services as available.
- 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 attend court appointments or relevant health appointments with clients, as needed.
- Attend relevant training courses 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.
- Experience working with asylum seekers, refugee and/or other immigrant populations strongly preferred.
- Experience in working in a trauma-informed setting and handling confidential information preferred.
- Knowledge of local community social services and navigating the social service system preferred.
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, Mandarin, Wolof, and Russian.
- 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:
The caseworker provides virtual and in-person casework services. However, the caseworker will be required to attend in person meetings at the discretion of the local office. A variable work schedule / hours including non-traditional hours such as evenings and weekends may be required (on a case-by-case basis).
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: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12-month time period.