Welcome Center Casework Coordinator

Job Overview:

The Welcome Center is an emergency shelter for migrants and Asylum Seekers who have recently been released from government custody. The Welcome Center aims to provide safe respite and supportive emergency services to Asylum Seekers while they coordinate travel to their new home in the US.

The Welcome Center Casework Coordinator provides trauma-informed services to asylum seekers and migrants, to support a positive initial reception experience. The coordinator provides casework services for clients unable to move onward after 48hrs of arrival at the Welcome Center. This position works to identify client needs and connect them to key services. The role also works closely with clients, colleagues, and external parties to develop service and referral plans to meet individual client needs and preferences utilizing a broad range of financial, medical, social, vocational, and other services and resources in accordance with client eligibility and program requirements. This position reports to the program manager at the Welcome Center.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Core Service Delivery:

• Provide light-touch case support for asylum seekers at the Welcome Center to ensure timely provision of core services, including client needs assessments, referral screening, psychosocial first aid support for clients in crisis, and vetting clients to receive additional resources when available.
• Develop Standards Operating Procedures and client-centered best practices for the casework services at the Welcome Center.
• Coordinate with community partners such as hospitals, clinics, community-based organizations and other IRC programs to encourage timely internal and external referrals.
• Assist Welcome Center mission by ensuring client find solutions to safely and successfully exit the program.
• Advocate for Asylum Seekers and migrants to receive adequate and timely services.

Documentation, Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure oversight and monitoring of case files for proper file documentation, including developing appropriate forms, procedures and training for staff with supervisor.
• Ensure reporting requirements are met in compliance with donor and organizational requirements.

Direct Client Services:

• Ensure all clients receive the full range of services on offer.
• Assess client needs and monitor progress at regular intervals to ensure progress on goals is made and designated resources are maximized, modifying initial services plans and other documents as needed.
• Ensure clients comply with rules and responsibilities while they participate in the program and address any incidents involving clients.
• Develop local resources for clients and share contact information across programs.

Other Responsibilities:

• Cultivate a respectful, supportive, and inclusive environment for team members and clients.

• Carry out timely, professional interventions to ensure responsive, appropriate, and client-centered service delivery.

• Ensure compliance of self and team with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency.

• May train and lead the activities of volunteers.

• Maintain regular contact/stay up to date with external partners in order to conduct efficient referrals to services and resources.

• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study preferred, equivalent work experience may be substituted.

Work Experience:

• At least two years relevant professional experience in human services field required.
• Experience working in contexts serving asylum seekers and migrants directly strongly preferred.
• Experience with managing caseloads, service planning and implementation in a social services setting preferred.
• Previous program coordination experience preferred.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Fluency in written and spoken English required.
• Bilingual ability required, Spanish preferred but other program-relevant languages include Punjabi, Hindi, Russian, Haitian Creole, and Portuguese may be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to promote an organizational culture that reflects IRC’s core values of service, accountability, integrity, and equality. Ability to lead in a way that recognizes that IRC’s work is best accomplished through the true collaboration of individuals from many cultures with a great variety of skills and perspectives.
• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.
• In accordance with Arizona State Law, must possess or be eligible to receive a fingerprint clearance card.

Working Environment:

• Dynamic and collaborative workspace with regular interactions with ASF clients, volunteers, community partners, and Welcome Center visitors.
• The Welcome Center is a 24-hour facility; flexible work hours, including holidays, evenings and weekends with regular contact with ASF clients and volunteers.
• Minimal to no remote work.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

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: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.