Labor Rights Case Worker JD

Job Title : Labor Rights Caseworker Classification & FLSA Status : Full time | Non-Exempt Salary : $30/hour Department : Organizing and Rapid Response Reports to : Director of Organizing and Programs and the Labor Center Coordinator Location : Los Angeles facilities and field work in LA County Organizational Background CARECEN was founded in 1983 by Salvadoran refugees and other human rights activists who worked to secure legal status for the thousands of Central Americans fleeing civil war. Today, CARECEN serves immigrants from around the world. Our mission is to empower Central Americans and all immigrants by defending human and civil rights, working for social and economic justice and promoting cultural diversity. Job Summary The Central American Resource Center (CARECEN) is seeking to hire a full-time, bilingual (Spanish/English) Caseworker who will provide case management support for low-wage workers, day laborers and families. The Caseworker is expected to have expertise in identifying trusted resources that include need areas such as emergency housing, food pantries, educational support, and health services, etc. The Caseworker will support workers and families in Los Angeles County. The caseworker will also work on an internal referral process within CARECEN's services and programs that will help identify the pressing needs of the communities we serve. This position also requires field work throughout LA county in order to provide support and refer workers to a wide range of social sources available. The case worker is part of the Organizing Department and assists in CARECEN’s rapid response team. This position is hourly and non-exempt. Job Responsibilities and Essential Functions Supports workers rights campaigns and programs, and rapid response activities. Develops, coordinates and provides worker case management needs of vulnerable and low wage workers. The case worker connects workers and families with countywide social services, assistance programs and immigration legal services Supports team in KYR efforts throughout Los Angeles County Works in coordination with the Director of Organizing and key staff to strengthen and expand CARECEN’s Day Labor and Family Social Services and Case Management capacity Supports organizing and labor center activities as needed. Maintain and expand any necessary organizational wide resource lists that can help identify holistic programs and services for Workers across LA County and their families, wage theft, emergency housing, food pantries, educational support, and health services, among other areas of needs as assessed by the caseworker Continuously evaluate and refine CARECEN’s referral and case management systems to better respond to the evolving needs of Workers’ Rights Unit participants. Work closely with rapid response and case management teams to identify gaps in CARECEN's case management systems and make recommendations on standardized policies and procedures, and in conjunction with partners to assist in program development. Serve as liaison between external social services partners and the CARECEN labor rights team. Develop materials for outreach purposes for directly impacted communities, assist and contribute to grant opportunities and reporting as needed. The caseworker will conduct intensive case management for a load of 25 workers and their families on an ongoing basis. The caseworker will conduct intakes, needs assessments, and service plans, with workers and their families and connect them to available resources and services including available emergency food assistance, cash aid, rental/housing assistance. Support to workers and their families also will include accompaniment to legal, housing, and health appointments. The case worker will prioritize urgent support for deportation cases, wage theft, and employer retaliation and will explore potential partnerships with attorney networks to address wage & hour and other legal claims. The case worker will document case management activities and outcomes, including legal referrals and prepare a monthly report Other duties as assigned by supervisor Collaborates with CARECEN’s organizing and legal teams to expand defense strategies, rights-based training, and community-led safety initiatives Supports the creation and distribution of educational and advocacy materials (flyers, safety protocols, defense toolkits) for workers and community members Provides occasional support for day labor activities and other duties as assigned by supervisor Required Skill/Qualifications Bachelor of Arts in a social welfare or related field OR equivalent combination of experience and professional education required Minimum 2 years of substantive work experience working in the non-profit sector required with 1 year of community experience strongly preferred Minimum 2 years of casework experience with Day Laborer community Must be willing and able to work during evening hours/weekends as needed Ability to take initiative, self-start, and be creative in addressing issues or problems with limited resources Ability to work in a collaborative manner within the organization and community partners Strong verbal and writing skills Fluency in the English and Spanish languages required Commitment to the mission and goals of CARECEN Classification & Work Schedule The position is a full-time non-exempt position. Office hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Monday – Friday and occasionally early mornings, evenings or weekends The normal workweek for this full-time non-exempt position is 35 hours. The position may require working evening and weekends The position is part of the bargaining unit represented by the union. Work Environment and Physical Demands The position requires the ability to lift files, open filing cabinets, and bend or stand as necessary. Telecommuting is currently offered, but working in the office is required. Work is performed in a variety of work settings, including CARECEN’s offices, workspace provided by others, libraries and other government facilities, among others. Travel Requirements Ability to travel to different CARECEN offices, and other offsite locations. Work may comprise up to 25% of LA County travel time. Mileage reimbursement is available. Ability to drive with a valid CA license and a registered vehicle is preferred Benefits CARECEN also offers a generous benefits package that has medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. Supplemental insurance and a 403(b) retirement savings plan are also available. Paid time off is also provided. Application Deadline Applicants encouraged to apply immediately. To Apply Please email a cover letter, resume, and three references to Becky Alvarez at View email address on click.appcast.io and Jorge Nicolas at View email address on click.appcast.io. Candidates are urged to be specific regarding level of Spanish proficiency. Only those applicants selected for interviews will be contacted. Applicants must apply directly. CARECEN will not consider applications through legal recruiting/staffing agencies. No inquiries or phone calls from applicants or legal recruiters please. CARECEN is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ethnic group identification, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, political affiliation, condition of physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation, in accordance with requirements of Federal and State laws. #J-18808-Ljbffr Central American Resource Center of Los Angeles