Case Manager - Reach

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) supports people who have lost or left their homes. For over 100 years, the unwavering commitment of our leadership, team, network of service providers, and advocates has helped redirect the destiny of countless vulnerable lives. In neighborhoods, in Washington, and around the world, we break down barriers and demand justice for refugees and immigrants as they successfully integrate into new communities.

We provide essential social and legal services to rebuild productive lives, turning tragedy into prosperity. We are a purpose driven organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide and supporting their transition to a dignified life. To learn more about our work, please visit our website ugees.org Opens a New Window.

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OVERVIEW

The Reach Up Case Manager will provide support to new refugees served by the USCRI Vermont office. Through the provision of social casework and technical work, the RUCM will provide community based case management for the Reach Up Program. Reach Up provides financial benefits, case management services and access to other support services to help participants achieve independence from public assistance through employment within prescribed time frames.

This position reports to the Field Office Director.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Explain DCF programs and services to applicants;
• Interview Reach Up participants and gather other data to assess family and personal circumstances, strengths and needs in order to achieve an identified employment goal;
• Create case plans with participants that outline steps, tasks and time frames for achievement of their employment goa;l
• Assist participants to implement plans, maintains frequent contact, monitors progress, revises plans and takes actions as appropriate;
• Allocate monies for participant support services such as mileage, car repair, childcare, etc;.
• Motivate and support participants to meet federally established work participation rates within prescribed time frames;
• Document all case actions timely and accurately in computer system and case records in accordance with federal verification and documentation requirements;
• May determine eligibility for DCF public assistance and case management program, Reach Up, and amount of financial grant according to program rules;
• May re-determine eligibility for Reach Up financial and case management services on a prescribed schedule or as changing circumstances dictate;
• May administer financial sanctions for failure to comply with program requirements;
• Inform participants of and advocate for available community services, intervenes in crisis situations, and offers supportive counseling to assist participant in resolving personal, familial or vocational issues interfering with employment;
• Ensure compliance with all department, state and federal rules;
• Prepare reports, fair hearing and fraud submissions; respond to public inquiries, facilitate groups and meetings;
• E stablish and maintain effective working relationships with Reach Up participants, colleagues and community service providers;
• Attend stakeholders’ meetings and work with community partners to learn about resources for refugees and make referrals when needed;
• Ensure that refugees are being served in a linguistically and culturally appropriate manner and provide education and advocacy when necessary
• Maintain up to date knowledge of relevant contractual requirements; and
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job duties indicated is not be an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in a human services, education and training or workforce development field AND one (1) year or more of experience involving direct client contact delivering case management services, or interpreting and applying rules and guidelines to make decisions regarding eligibility for programs and benefits in the fields described above (such as social services, education or employment programs); OR
• Associate's degree in a human services, education and training or workforce development field AND three (3) years or more of experience involving direct client contact delivering case management services, or interpreting and applying rules and guidelines to make decisions regarding eligibility for programs and benefits in the fields described above (such as social services, education or employment programs); OR
• High School diploma or equivalent AND five (5) years or more of experience involving direct client contact delivering case management services, or interpreting and applying rules and guidelines to make decisions regarding eligibility for programs and benefits in the fields described above (such as social services, education or employment…