Case Worker, Poland

POSITION SUMMARY

HIAS Poland is seeking to recruit 2 Caseworkers to join its small, yet growing and dynamic team based in Poland. The Case worker will be required to work closely with the Airbnb program team and “Our Choice” Ukrainian House team. This program aims to provide immediate and urgent housing support to refugees fleeing Ukraine, which includes many female-headed households, elders and large families. HIAS is partnering with Foundation “Our Choice” which operates Ukrainian House in Warsaw (ukrainskidom.pl). Ukrainian House is a Polish NGO established in 2009 as a crisis response center to provide helpline and information support to Ukrainians. Caseworkers will provide psychosocial support and assistance to the most at risk and vulnerable refugee clients/families and children. He/she will conduct through assessments and case management including follow up to ensure clients/ families are receiving appropriate psychosocial and accommodation services. Caseworkers will be expected to track the impact of the assistance provided to all clients. Caseworkers will work under the supervision of MHPSS psychosocial officer.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• In close coordination with the Emergency AirBnb Coordinator and MHPSS Officer, establish standard operating procedures of provision of psychosocial support to refugees receiving housing assistance through the AirBnb program (to include both direct service provision and appropriate referrals).
• In close coordination with the Emergency AirBnb Coordinator and MHPSS Officer, develop a brief/rapid psychosocial assessment as part of intake to determine critical needs (including financial assistance, medical assistance, legal protection support, GBV support); Ensure refugees are linked with appropriate service providers for follow-up.
• Identify and document cases, identify needed support and develop an action plan, ensure the follow-ups and referrals are in line with standard operating procedures.
• Provide basic psychosocial support for refugees identified to be experiencing elevated psychological distress; Coordinate follow-up MHPSS support with HIAS and other relevant service providers.
• As needed, conduct home visit to provide necessary support and information for clients; monitor cases at regular intervals to ensure needs are met.
• In coordination with MHPSS officer and Poland team, develop linkages with other service provider to promote quality referral pathways; Establish and maintain networks with existing community structures and other partners for referral and networking purposes.
• Disseminate information at the community level about the purpose and importance of psychosocial activities and support.
• Assess, identify, and analyze community sensitive intervention geared towards building resilience and self-reliance
• Ensure compliance with case management and reporting requirements, including data protection and safeguarding principles.
• Participate in weekly reporting and planning meetings to ensure adherence to standards of care and reporting requirements are followed.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS

• A University Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Community Development, Counselling or Gender and Development Studies (or other related field) preferred.
• At least 5 years working in direct contact with community members; preferably with experience in the field of protection/MHPSS/GBV. Experience in Child Protection is required.
• Fluency in English required; Polish and/or Ukrainian languages preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of issues of gender inequality and issues surrounding violence.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and respect for clients.
• Experience in capacity building including facilitation of diversity and inclusion, community-based training and awareness raising.
• Good knowledge of Poland and its environs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Computer Applications.
• Ability to work in a demanding and high-pressured environment.

DISCLAIMER:

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills required or permanent location. Location is subject to change based on programmatic needs. Flexibility is essential as we grow and develop. The successful candidate must be comfortable in a fast-paced, changing work environment with many crucial deadlines. All team members may be required to perform duties outside of their normal work hours of responsibilities as needed.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • Hachnasat Orchim

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • Tzedek

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • Chesed

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • Chevruta

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • Ometz

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • Ruach

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.