Experienced Senior Caseworker, Home Study and Post-Release Services for Unaccompanied Children - Remote Opportunity with Competitive Salary and Benefits

Introduction to the International Rescue Committee

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global leader in providing emergency relief, rehabilitation, and post-crisis reconstruction. Founded in 1933, the IRC has been at the forefront of responding to the world's most pressing humanitarian crises, including conflict, disaster, and displacement. With operations in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, the IRC is committed to helping people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by crisis to survive, recover, and gain control of their future.

About the Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration Department

The IRC's Resettlement, Asylum, and Integration (RAI) department is dedicated to creating opportunities for refugees and other vulnerable migrants to gain stability and control of their future. The RAI department serves more than 100,000 individuals each year, through a diverse portfolio of programs aimed at five core outcomes: Health, Safety, Economic Wellbeing, Education, and Power. The department's work is guided by a commitment to providing high-quality, trauma-informed services that address the unique needs of refugees and other vulnerable migrants.

Job Overview

The Senior Caseworker, Home Study and Post-Release Services will play a critical role in the IRC's Home Study and Post-Release Services (HSPRS) program for unaccompanied children in the U.S. The program is growing rapidly, with ambitious delivery goals in a short time frame, and this position is part of an anticipated 36-month contract. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting home studies to determine the safety and suitability of potential sponsors for unaccompanied children, as well as providing post-release services to support the continued safety and stability of children in sponsor's homes.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct initial in-home assessments with children and sponsors, followed by regular weekly or monthly contact, to assess the safety and needs of the child
• Develop individualized service plans that guide the provision of high-quality, trauma-informed case management services
• Complete home visits to meet with children and their sponsors post-release, to assess the safety of the child and flag any safety and protection concerns
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to provide recommendations for the purpose of reunifying children with their potential sponsors
• Provide referral and connection to community-based services, including legal services, education and English language classes, medical care and behavioral healthcare, and placement stability and safety services
• Use a child-centered, developmentally appropriate, and trauma-informed approach to address the needs and concerns of children and sponsors
• Maintain accurate records in electronic case files and required databases, and submit required reports and documentation in a timely manner

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or other relevant behavioral science
• Written and verbal fluency in Spanish and English
• Minimum of two years of related professional experience working with children, family reunification/preservation, kinship care, foster care, child welfare, and/or conducting home studies
• Experience working with immigrant populations; experience working with unaccompanied minors preferred
• Knowledge of local community social services and navigating the social service system
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in social work, psychology, sociology, or other relevant behavioral science
• Experience working with trauma-informed principles and approaches, protection and safeguarding, and mandatory reporting
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the ability to prioritize duties and manage time effectively

Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of trauma-informed principles and approaches, protection and safeguarding, and mandatory reporting
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook), Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and other platforms
• Ability to travel up to 70% of the time, up to 200 miles, often nights and weekends

Career Growth Opportunities and Learning Benefits

The IRC is committed to providing its employees with opportunities for professional growth and development. As a Senior Caseworker, Home Study and Post-Release Services, you will have access to training and development programs, including trauma-informed care, protection and safeguarding, and mandatory reporting. You will also have the opportunity to work with a diverse team of professionals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of refugees and other vulnerable migrants.

Work Environment and Company Culture

The IRC is a dynamic and fast-paced organization that values diversity, inclusivity, and respect for all individuals. Our work environment is collaborative, supportive, and committed to providing high-quality services to our clients. We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as a 403(b) retirement savings plan and paid time off.

Compensation, Perks, and Benefits

The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary range: $22.23 - 33.23 per hour
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution
• Paid time off, including 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, and 20-25 paid time off days
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles

Conclusion

If you are a motivated and compassionate individual who is committed to making a difference in the lives of refugees and other vulnerable migrants, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. As a Senior Caseworker, Home Study and Post-Release Services, you will be part of a dynamic team that is dedicated to providing high-quality, trauma-informed services to unaccompanied children and their sponsors. Don't miss this chance to join our team and contribute to our mission of helping people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by crisis to survive, recover, and gain control of their future.