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 50 countries and more than 25 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.
This position is only currently open to IRC staff. 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 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 CMPP Crisis Caseworker will perform key intake assessment, screening, referral, and holistic case management support to IRC in LA clients, and will provide trauma-informed services and short-term mental health support to adult asylum seekers. This person will focus on persons with specific challenges or circumstances and will provide intensive services to ensure their safety and stability. This includes working closely with clients, colleagues, and partners to develop service plans that address needs utilizing a range of financial, medical, social, vocational, and other services and resources based on client eligibility, and utilizing interventions tailored to the needs of the client. The Crisis Caseworker also addresses emotional and psychological concerns, and assists with ensuring clients receive screenings, enrollment, orientations, and support navigating systems within Los Angeles County. The Crisis Caseworker will be expected to provide strengths-based, trauma-informed, client-centered case management and psychosocial support to single-headed asylum seeking households; survivors of domestic violence and gender-based violence; older asylum seekers; young adults without parents or permanent guardians; populations experiencing mental health or psychological difficulties; victims of trafficking; asylum seekers with physical disabilities or medical conditions; and asylum seekers who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQIA+). This position reports to the Casework Supervisor, CMPP.
As the processes and procedures for CMPP are simultaneously developed and implemented, the duties of the CMPP Crisis Caseworker will likely evolve as gaps in programming are identified.
Major Responsibilities:
•Conduct initial in-person assessments followed by weekly contacts and case management for at least 90 calendar days, depending on the presenting need(s) of the client.
•Conduct screenings (mental health, trafficking, DV, etc.) and assist clients in navigating healthcare and social service systems, which may include helping clients apply for benefits and attend and schedule appointments.
•Conduct comprehensive assessments to provide recommendations for the purpose of stabilizing and supporting clients in addressing their identified needs. This includes completing in-person visits and documenting findings in a comprehensive report.
•Develop individualized, client-led service plans that guide the provision of high quality, trauma-informed case management services.
•Evaluate client progress during active program enrollment to determine their advancement towards established goals, and work with the client to identify new needs and actions needed.
•Continually assess ongoing changes in behavior and general conditions that could impact the safety, wellbeing, and success of clients, and develop a plan of action in case of escalation or elevated risk.
•Provide crisis intervention support when necessary, including involving law enforcement and other local stakeholders.
•Serve in the lead role on a case if there are current suicide attempts, safety concerns, or current trafficking concerns or play a supportive role to other Caseworkers when the client is not in a crisis.
•Provide referral and connection to: Education and English language classes; Medical care and behavioral healthcare; Housing stability and safety services; Substance abuse treatment; Gang prevention services; Services related to cultural heritage and other traditions; and Integration and independence support as appropriate.
•Build and maintain relationships with community services providers in relevant areas.
•Communicate and coordinate with partner organizations and counselors to assess clients’ progress and continued engagement.
•Provide timely documentation of all check-ins, in-home visits, referrals and referral outcomes, and progress and outcomes in case file.
•In the case that clients receive a final order of removal or express a desire to return to their country of origin, research and equip the client with pre-departure information, discuss departure planning, and provide referrals to reintegration services as available.
•Assist in developing processes and updating procedures based on identified gaps as well as changing needs and priorities.
•May attend court appointments or relevant health appointments with clients, as needed.
•Attend relevant training courses and meetings at the local and national level.
•Submit required reports and documentation in a timely manner.
•Maintain a strong understanding of trauma-informed principles and approaches, protection and safeguarding, and mandatory reporting.
•Ensure the confidentiality of clients and their cases.
•Other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
•Master’s degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or other relevant behavioral science in which direct clinical experience is a program requirement; or a bachelor’s degree with at least five years of relevant experience.
•Minimum of two years’ experience providing case management for asylum seekers or similar vulnerable populations, including conducting intakes and assessments, developing service plans, and documenting services through case documentation.
•Minimum of two years’ experience working with asylum seekers or vulnerable migrant populations in a protection or mental health support capacity.
•Flexibility and proven ability to work in a dynamic and constantly changing environment, and ability to develop procedures and quickly pivot with evolving needs.
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:
•Proven ability to manage complex client situations centering on client safety and client protection principles.
•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 success working effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
•Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the ability to prioritize duties and manage time effectively.
•Ability to travel up to 70% of the time throughout Los Angeles County. May include nights and weekends. May need to do a rotation of being “on call” at a regular interval.
•Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook), Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other platforms.
•Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively
•Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a team member in a multi-cultural environment
•Excellent written and oral communications skills in English; proficiency in a language spoken by client populations a plus (Spanish, Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian).
Working Environment:
•A combination of standard office environment and ‘field’ time in and around the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
•May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
Compensation:
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.
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.
#LI-DNI
Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.