Preferred Communities Case Manager

About the Organization

Nationalities Service Center (NSC) serves more than 3,000 immigrants and refugees each year from over 110 countries. We provide comprehensive services in immigration law matters, community transition and integration, access to health and wellness, language proficiency, and job readiness training for immigrants and refugees. NSC’s mission is to welcome and empower immigrants to thrive in our communities and pursue a just future. Our vision is that all immigrants achieve a life of safety and stability, sustainable opportunities, and meaningful community connections.

Position Summary

The Preferred Communities (PC) Case Manager provides case management supports to eligible newcomers through NSC’s Preferred Communities Intensive Case Management (ICM) and GAPS programs. Eligible clients include those with Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-eligible status. The PC Case Manager will provide referrals and connections to public benefit systems, school enrollment, healthcare, and other supportive services to enrolled clients for the 3-month GAPS service period. The Case Manager will work with PC ICM clients (enrolled for 6 months to 2 years) to establish a self-sufficiency service plan, connect to appropriate resources, provide health care navigation supports, and help clients take steps towards self-sufficiency. The Case Manager will provide NSC’s clients with culturally and linguistically appropriate services.

The Case Manager position has internal contacts with the entire staff and external contact with clients, visitors, representatives of social services agencies and medical providers, and the community. This position has access to sensitive NSC and client information and is expected to handle such information with integrity and professionalism.

The Case Manager will report directly to the Director of Newcomer and Health Services and will participate in all team and department activities as necessary.

Essential Functions

• Complete eligibility screener and needs assessment for Preferred Communities programs to determine whether referred clients are eligible and if they require short-term or intensive case management supports.
• Conduct client intake meetings and other client meetings, including home visits and client accompaniments on an as-needed basis.
• Collaborate with clients on self-sufficiency plans and ensure progress towards goals.
• Demonstrate a person-centered and culturally responsive approach in working with households by respecting their self-determination and autonomy.
• Strongly adhere to Trauma Informed Care, Empowerment Approach, and Assertive Engagement principles.
• Provide referral and intake services to eligible clients through case management activities. Activities include, but are not limited to, referral and connection to public benefits systems, school enrollment, healthcare coordination, application of state IDs and employment documents, and other supportive services as needed.
• Build trust in client relationships to foster engagement in the work towards their self-sufficiency.
• Coordinate and advocate with external agencies, such as County Assistance Offices and medical providers.
• Complete case-related activities and data entry in the required timeline as per agency and funder requirements.
• Contribute to program compliance with periodic case file reviews and other program compliance tasks as directed by program manager.
• Conduct all activities within the funders’ and NSC’s guidelines.
• Conduct occasional outreach and awareness raising through participation in external events and distribution of materials, as needed.

Other Duties

1. Attend relevant workshops or join professional groups as necessary to maintain professional knowledge and licensure.
2. Adhere to NSC’s confidentiality guidelines and ensure the appropriate handling of sensitive information.
3. Attend relevant internal and external meetings to promote communication and resource development.
4. Complete special projects specific to the function of the department or as needed for the department as directed by Supervisor.
5. Other duties as assigned within the scope of position expectations.

Qualifications 

1. Demonstrates a working understanding of NSC’s mission, vision, values, programs and services, and business plan.
2. Possesses strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by compassionate, courteous, cordial, cooperative, and professional interaction with diverse groups.
3. Demonstrates ability to manage multiple tasks by carefully setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and scheduling time efficiently.
4. Demonstrates ability to organize tasks in an efficient manner and follow-up and follow-through with strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
5. Demonstrates ability to work with other people through a cooperative effort.
6. Awareness of local resources and ability to seek out new resources that can benefit clients and their households.
7. Adheres to all NSC policies and procedures.
8. Attends all NSC in-services as required.

Experience, Education, and Licensure

Minimum Experience: 1+ years of case management experience or experience working within the refugee and immigrant community required. Bilingual skills in English and one of the following preferred: Ukrainian, Haitian Creole, Dari or Pashto.

Minimum Education: BSW/MSW degree strongly preferred, but not required. High school diploma or equivalent required.

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
2. This position will be hybrid between NSC’s Center City office and remote work.
3. COVID-Vaccine: NSC has determined that the best way to protect our employees and the community we serve is to require all staff who are working on-site be fully vaccinated.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or equipment; reach with hands and arms; balance; talk or hear. The employee will occasionally climb stairs; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl; taste or smell.
2. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
3. Operate general office equipment with frequent work at a computer workstation.
4. Specific vision abilities required by the job include frequent reading and close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

Commitment to Inclusion Statement:

NSC is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of non-discrimination in all employment practices and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nor any other basis protected under applicable law.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.