Extended Caseworker, Career Services

WHY JOIN JFS?
For more than 150 years, Jewish Family Services of Western New York has been committed to providing high quality services to all in need in the interest of helping to "repair the world." Our services are guided by the essential connection between mental well-being, physical wellness, and positive self-worth. Our reputation is the result of our exceptional staff. In addition to offering competitive compensation and truly exceptional benefits, we are committed to providing a supportive, inclusive work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best.

OUR VALUES
Be a Mensch: We are ethical, kind, and admirable. We are driven by a desire to do good, to make a difference, to have a positive impact. We are thoughtful and deliberative in how they support our clients, each other, and the community.
Person-Centered: We strive to meet the individual where they're at and give them the tools to be successful. Programming is designed to meet the needs of people, not the requirements or expectations of others.
Culturally Responsive: We create purpose-built spaces and programs for our clients that respect their culture and opens access to traditional avenues of support that are often inaccessible to a diverse population.
Be Resolute: We work with tenacity to identify problems, seek out solutions, and get things done.

WHAT YOU'LL DO
The Extended Case Worker will provide post resettlement case management services for refugees who have completed the initial resettlement program. Offering them support and services to help them reach self-sufficiency, minimize poverty, and successfully make a new home in the United States. This position assists clients in gaining access to employment, medical, social, educational, psychological, and other essential services. Assisting client in navigating local systems post initial resettlement.

Key Responsibilities
Case Management

• Responsible for intake and needs assessment and subsequent referrals to inter-agency and community programs that promote economic, social and civic self-sufficiency.
• Assist clients in accessing resources, achieving objectives, and maximizing independence and productivity through support, training, and help in using personal and community resources.
• Assist clients in increasing social support networks of relatives, friends, and volunteer organizations that mitigate life stresses resulting from current physical and/or mental conditions.
• Arrange appointments for clients with service providers and provide transportation to appointments when necessary.
• Provide coverage for other staff members, as needed.

Advocacy

• Advocate on behalf of refugees and immigrants and voluntary agencies serving those clients
• Identify and overcome barriers that prevent a client from accessing or attending needed services and work with providers to develop alternatives for resolving these problems.
• Promote client rights and access to social service, social security, mental health, and other support service programs.
• Coordinate interpretation and translation services to refugee clients and assist with applications for service entitlement.

Data Entry

• Accurately document all contacts and services in client case files and maintain case note logs.
• Complete and monitor all required reporting forms and case records.
• Responsible for timely and accurate data entry into BRS
• Responsible for accurately recording services provided according to RSSP, NYSERSP and USAARA guidelines

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Effective communication skills both written and spoken.
• Working knowledge of community resources.
• Informed about refugee and immigrant issues, and available services to clients.
• Strong Internet research and computer skills, especially with Outlook, Word, and Excel.
• Familiar with and appreciative of issues related to people with diverse cultures and languages.
• Fluency in a language other than English (Arabic, Spanish, French, Swahili) is preferred but not required
• Judgment and Decision Making - Considers relative pros and cons of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Time Management - Uses time effectively and efficiently; values time; concentrates efforts on the more important priorities; gets more done efficiently and effectively.
• Adaptability & Flexibility - Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities
• Client Focus - Understands and meets customer needs, whether internal or external, providing a high level of service and cooperation courteousness & sensitivity)
• Initiative & Adaptability - Deals with situations and issues proactively and persistently, personal willingness and ability to respond to change and ability to meet deadlines.

This position requires travel between sites and therefore, you must have a reliable vehicle, valid driver's license, and liability insurance in the amount of $100/$300K. Also, if hired, you must produce evidence of having received the Covid-19 vaccination.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary range of $21.00 to $28.00 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Benefits such as health insurance (Independent Health), accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) of 4+ weeks, 401k retirement plan with company match, and 13+ observed holidays.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment.
• The chance to make meaningful impact in a dynamic and forward-thinking organization.

The above pay range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Final compensation may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, background, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

ARE YOU READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?
If this sounds like the opportunity that you've been looking for, please apply today by completing our application located at https://jfsbuffalo.applicantpro.com/jobsbyorganization/. Please provide a resume and cover letter along with your application.

Jewish Family Services of Western New York is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.