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.
Job Overview: The Bilingual Caseworker will provide assistance to refugees and other qualified immigrants to ensure the best possible resettlement experience. You will work with clients to build a resettlement plan in the interest of helping clients to achieve self-sufficiency within their first 90-days. The resettlement plan will match individual client needs and preferences utilizing a broad range of financial, medical, social, vocational, and other services and resources based on client eligibility and in accordance with current federal guidance. You will operate under close supervision with moderate latitude for the use of independent discernment and initiative.
Major Responsibilities:
- Ensure a positive resettlement experience for newly arrived refugees, from pre-arrival preparations and point of entry to successful acculturation. This may include assurance that appropriate pre-arrival services are in place (locating and securing suitable housing, purchasing housing essentials, furniture and basic food supplies, setting up utilities etc.). Core services must be delivered per federal guidance.
- Provide individualized and group orientations while supporting clients through social service referrals, medical access, and advocacy services through assessment and evaluation each client’s distinct needs.
- Independently develop reasonable resettlement and/or self-sufficiency plans and timelines for each client and guide client expectations.
- Ensure that clients are provided the basic tools necessary to meet their established short-term goals and objectives.
- Assess and monitor client progress at regular intervals to ensure progress on goals is made, designated resources are maximized and modify initial resettlement plans and other case file documents as required.
- Ensure compliance with case file management and reporting requirements, including timely data entry in hard-copy files and databases.
- Regularly travel throughout service delivery area (home visits, agency visits, service provider visits etc.) will be required.
- Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a member of the team.
- Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion and cohesion in IRC Oakland.
- Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies
- Other related duties as assigned.
Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: R&P Coordinator
Position directly supervises: Program Interns and volunteers
Indirect Reporting: Oakland Resettlement Manager
Other Internal and/or external contacts:
Internal: Caseworker will collaborate with internal direct service staff to help clients achieve resettlement goals. The direct service staff includes Economic Empowerment Programs, Anti-Trafficking Program and Immigration Programming.
External: Caseworker will develop working relationships with various County, Refugee Health Clinic, landlords and property managers and community-based organizations to support success of program requirements.
Job Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree, ideally in Social Work or an equivalent field of study. Comparable related work experience may be substituted.
- Demonstrated relevant work experience in the human services field, preferably in a nonprofit or social services agency environment. Experience should include a minimum of two years providing direct service to underserved communities; prior experience working with refugee populations preferred.
- Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member;
- Self-starter with excellent analytical skills combined with the demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and handle time effectively.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office.
- Excellent communications skills, fluency in written and spoken English and Spanish required.
- Proficiency in one or more of other languages, Dari, Farsi, Arabic, Amharic or Tigrigna strongly desired.
- Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the greater Bay Area.
Working Environment:
- Standard office work environment coupled with regular travel in and around the Bay Area.
- Reoccurring need to provide services outside of traditional work hours (evenings and weekends).
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.
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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.