IRIS is hiring a Case Manager

[Kelly Hebrank]

IRIS – Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (www.irisct.org), a dynamic nonprofit organization in New Haven CT, has an immediate opening for the full-time position of Reception & Placement (R&P) Case Manager. IRIS helps refugees and asylees— people fleeing persecution in their home countries who are invited to the US by the federal government—to start new lives and become self-sufficient, contributing members of their communities. IRIS currently serves clients from countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, Congo, Eritrea, and Sudan.

 

General Description

Operating under the Reception & Placement (R&P) requirements of the federal refugee resettlement program, the Case Manager will join a dedicated team in providing case management services to hundreds of refugees and asylees each year.  The R&P Case Manager will ensure that clients’ basic needs are met during their first 90 days in the US; that they learn about US culture and norms and feel comfortable navigating their new communities; and that they make progress towards becoming self-sufficient.  The R&P Case Manager will supervise a part-time assistant, and a team of interns and volunteers.

This job is primarily direct service with refugee clients, along with administrative work required by funders. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include:

• Prepare for and welcome newly arriving refugee families and individuals
• Ensure refugees’ basic needs (housing, food, clothing, etc.) are addressed
• Provide community and cultural orientation
• Assist clients in accessing appropriate external services and public benefits, including from Social Security Administration and Department of Social Services
• Communicate and coordinate closely with other IRIS staff who provide services such as English class, childcare, education, health care, employment, and immigration legal services
• Help refugees develop a resettlement plan and household budget, and encourage clients to work towards self-sufficiency and early employment
• Identify and address barriers and challenges to successful resettlement
• Operate as a cultural broker between refugees, volunteers, and service providers
• Working with the IRIS Volunteer Coordinator, ensure that proper language interpretation and translation are provided for all meetings with clients and for important documents
• Maintain and complete case files and documentation for each case, including financial expenditures, reports of client outcomes, and evidence of client self-sufficiency
• Maintain regular contact with cases, including home visits
• Other related tasks as assigned

 

Requirements

Candidates must have at least three years of relevant experience; strong writing, communication and organizational skills; computer skills including Microsoft Word and Excel; and ability to handle multiple demands and shifting priorities in a fast-paced environment.  Ideal candidates will have experience supervising others.  Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to the mission of IRIS and awareness and sensitivity to multicultural issues.  Candidates must be fluent in English. Proficiency in another language is desirable, especially Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Swahili, Tigrinya, French, or Spanish.  Candidates must be able to work occasional evenings.  Candidates must have US driver’s license and be willing to drive clients to appointments. 

 

To apply, send an email to Deputy Director Kelly Hebrank, at [e-mail] by July 14^th with the following:

• A subject line that says “R&P CASE MANAGER: [Candidate first and last name]”
• A cover letter describing your relevant skills and experience, and why you are interested in this position
• An attached resume