Senior Core Services Caseworker

Senior Core Services Caseworker

The Senior Core Services Caseworker at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) provides trauma-informed support to refugee and immigrant clients during their resettlement process. This role focuses on promoting self-sufficiency through individualized service plans and collaboration with various stakeholders. Responsibilities include client intake, advocacy, case management, and community integration. The position requires strong relationship-building skills and a commitment to helping clients navigate their new environment effectively.

Job Overview:
The Senior Core Services Caseworker delivers trauma-informed support to refugee clients during their resettlement and post-resettlement periods, as well as to other eligible immigrant populations, including Cuban, Haitian, and Ukrainian clients. The Caseworker is responsible for promoting a positive resettlement experience and helping clients achieve self-sufficiency. This role involves close collaboration with clients, internal teams, and external partners to create individualized service and self-sufficiency plans.

The Caseworker connects clients with a range of financial, medical, social, and vocational resources in alignment with program guidelines and client eligibility criteria.

Major Responsibilities:
The Senior Core Services Caseworker plays a critical role in ensuring that clients successfully transition to life in their new community and achieve self-sufficiency. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct comprehensive intake services to assess individual and family needs, including housing, health, education, employment, and social services.
• Develop tailored self-sufficiency plans in collaboration with clients, outlining specific goals, timelines, and action steps to achieve self-reliance.
• Identify immediate needs and prioritize services such as securing housing, enrolling in benefits, and accessing medical services.
• Ensure clients receive essential services upon arrival, including temporary or permanent housing, access to nutritious food, healthcare, and transportation support.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external service providers to facilitate timely delivery of services and resources.
• Provide ongoing orientation to clients on accessing services in their new community, including healthcare systems, public benefits, financial literacy, and transportation.
• Offer individualized support to clients, ensuring they receive appropriate referrals to community resources such as schools, legal services, and mental health providers.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to help them overcome barriers in accessing services and exercising their rights.
• Monitor and assess client progress regularly, addressing challenges and updating self-sufficiency plans as needed to ensure successful outcomes.
• Facilitate connection to employment services in coordination with the employment team to support clients in gaining job readiness skills and securing suitable employment.
• Assist clients in completing critical documents, including benefit renewals, address change notifications (AR-11 forms), and other legal documentation.
• Conduct home visits to assess living conditions, provide follow-up services, and ensure clients are safe and stable.
• Help clients build community connections by facilitating their engagement with local services, cultural events, and educational workshops.
• Plan, request, and track direct assistance funds, ensuring expenditures are aligned with program requirements and client needs.
• Assist clients with financial planning, helping them budget for rent, utilities, and other essential expenses.
• Manage Matching Grant Program client finances, ensuring compliance with program guidelines and accurate reporting of funds disbursed.
• Maintain detailed case files and documentation for each client interaction, ensuring accuracy and compliance with program standards.
• Enter data into client databases and assist with program tracking and reporting requirements.
• Prepare reports as required by internal leadership and external funders.
• Collaborate with internal teams such as Employment, Health, and Youth Services to ensure seamless service delivery.
• Build and maintain relationships with external service providers, such as healthcare organizations, schools, and community groups, to expand the support network for clients.
• Participate in cross-departmental meetings and community coalitions to strengthen partnerships and identify additional resources for…