Refugee Resettlement Lead Case Manager, HIAS Pennsylvania

Posted by on September 26, 2011

[posted 9/14/11]

HIAS Pennsylvania
Refugee Resettlement Lead Case Manager

MISSION

The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (“HIAS”) Pennsylvania was founded in 1882 to provide services to Jewish immigrants and refugees fleeing persecution and seeking opportunity by migration to America.  Based on the tradition of “welcoming the stranger,” HIAS Pennsylvania works to resettle, reunite and represent Jewish and all immigrants and refugees of limited means residing in Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley.  The agency seeks the fair treatment and integration into American society of immigrants from all backgrounds.

HIAS Pennsylvania provides the following programs:
•    Representation and legal counseling before immigration agencies and the courts
•    Resettlement and other support services to assist refugees, immigrants and those granted asylum
•    Citizenship services

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title:        Refugee Resettlement Lead Case Manager (Case Manager II)
Supervisor:        Director of Refugee Programming and Planning

General Description:  The overall goal of the Refugee Resettlement Program is to help refugee families become self-sufficient in their new communities by providing basic needs and a core group of services within 3 to 6 months after arrival.  The Refugee Resettlement Lead Case Manager is responsible for all aspects of service delivery for newly arriving refugee families, and has a major responsibility to coordinate our Matching Grant Program.  The responsibilities of the position include but not limited to the following:

Summary of Responsibilities:
Case Management & Client Services (80% of responsibilities):
•    Maintains ongoing caseload of recently arrive refugees providing the following core services:
 Work with Refugee Housing Coordinator to secure housing and furnish the apartment.
 Ensure that the family has food and a hot cooked meal upon arrival.
 Greet refugees upon arrival at airport.
 Conduct a home visit and orientation of new refugees to their apartment and safety issues.
 Conduct initial intake interview and develops a resettlement plan for HIAS services.
 Provide appropriate information, materials, and referrals to other employment and social          services.
 Identify and refer and enroll clients to other programs (i.e. Matching Grant, employment.)
 Facilitate and accompany refugees to apply for social security cards and public benefits.
 Follow the financial policy guidelines to pay for rent, utilities, personal needs, and other          expenses.
 Enroll refugee children in the appropriate school and educational programs.
 Ensure refugee health screening occurs within 30 days after arrival.
 Identify and assist refugees in seeking and securing employment.
•    Conducts all services in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, according to agency policies and procedures.
Case Management & Client Services (cont.):
•    Supports the cultural orientation of new families.
•    Keeps weekly case-notes and file maintenance, in a confidential and accurate manner.
•    Communicates with third parties, such as employers, anchor relatives, school officials, welfare staff, etc. on behalf of the clients, and assisting in the transportation of clients to doctors’ appointments, social security offices, etc.
•    Advocating on behalf of the clients throughout the broader community.

Employment Services:
•    Enroll clients in either in-house or external employment programs
•    Coordinate employment placement and job counseling.
•    Provide financial literacy and budget training.
•    Develop relationships with employers.

Organizational Requirements (20% of responsibilities):
•    Task delegation for field work of staff and interns.
•    Actively participate in weekly case meetings and other department, agency, community and provider meetings, as needed.
•    Conduct outreach to clients through participation in outside events and distribution of material within the community including ethnic and community affairs, ethnic churches and other sites frequented by immigrants and refugees.
•    Attend regular conferences.
•    Prepare accurate and detailed statistical and other reports as needed and on a timely basis.
•    Comply with all federal, state, and funding requirements.
•    Other duties as assigned by Director of Refugee Programming and Planning

Qualifications:

•    M.S.W degree with some experience working in the refugee and immigrant community
•    Excellent verbal and written communications skill
•    Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and internet
•    Flexible working hours, including some weekends or evenings
•    Ability to exercise sound judgment in decision making practices.
•    Strong preference will be given to a candidate who has had experience with the Matching Grant and/or Resettlement and Placement programs.
•    Excellent organizational and time management skills
•    Ability to pay close attention to detail.
•    High degree of skill in doing detailed reporting and maintaining accurate case files
•    Ability to work with diverse populations
•    Ability to identify challenges and provide recommendations for solutions.
•    Applicant must be able to drive and possess a valid U.S. driver’s license.

HIAS and Council is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief.
If you are interested this position, please send your resume via email to Loy Omphommasack at loy@hiaspa.org.