Immigration Social Worker

POSITION TITLE: Immigration Social Worker
REPORTS TO: Director of Social Work
HOURS: Full Time
WORKSITE: Lincoln, Nebraska

ORGANIZATIONAL DESCRIPTION:  
At the Center for Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (CIRA), we see strength in every story. We are Nebraska and Southwest Iowa's leading immigration legal services provider and refugee resettlement agency, built on the foundation that every person - regardless of their country of origin or immigration background - deserves dignity, belonging, and opportunity.

Through high-quality legal representation, resettlement services, social work, education, and advocacy, we meet the complex and evolving needs of our immigrant and refugee communities.  Our expert team supports complex needs with one shared goal: empowering our clients to forge better lives, resulting in stronger communities for all of us.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:
Reporting to the Director of Social Work, the Immigration Social Worker provides comprehensive case management and supportive services to unaccompanied minors and their families through our holistic, trauma-informed approach. This is a non-clinical position that uses a therapeutic lens to support our interdisciplinary team in helping immigrant youth and families move from uncertainty to stability. As a social justice driven department, we are committed to working in an environment that is diverse, equitable and inclusive for all staff, clients, and individuals, with social workers expected to learn about and work to realize our diversity, equity, and inclusion goals.

The Immigration Social Worker conducts meaningful assessments, develops individualized service plans, provides crisis intervention, and connects families to essential community resources. Working alongside our collaborative legal and social work team, this position offers the opportunity to see direct impact as families build stable, hopeful futures. We are seeking a bilingual social worker who is passionate about immigrant rights, eager to grow professionally in a justice-driven environment, and committed to helping our clients feel welcome to pursue the life they want to lead.

CORE FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:
The Immigration Social Worker ’s responsibilities include:

• Conduct complete assessments to identify needs and strengths of youth and families
• Develop individualized service plans based on assessment findings and client goals
• Provide direct case management and support services to help families access safety, education, health, mental health, housing, and food resources
• Work as part of a team to address clients' legal needs and provide trauma-informed support
• Provide crisis help directly or connect families to resources to ensure safety and stability
• Make referrals and connect families to community resources that support their success
• Accompany clients to appointments at DMV, Social Security offices, immigration court, and other services to help them navigate systems
• Complete detailed and timely documentation following social work policies
• Respond to community enforcement activities and provide immediate support to affected families
• Provide financial assistance to families affected by raids or detention through established procedures
• Build and maintain relationships with local service agencies and community partners
• Keep in regular communication with the supervisor about client safety and well-being concerns
• Participate in ongoing supervision and professional development opportunities
• Maintain professional boundaries and client confidentiality at all times
• Complete Certificate of Financial Social Work within the first 90 days of employment

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's and/or master's degree in Social Work  is required .
• Fluency in English and Spanish is required
• Crisis intervention skills and ability to respond effectively in emergency situations
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time management skills
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to connect families to appropriate services
• Ability to work in a flexible, evolving environment and adapt to changing situations
• Strong cross-cultural communication skills and cultural responsiveness
• Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle required
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
• Positive attitude and professional demeanor in all interactions
• Experience working with immigrant, refugee, or trauma-affected individuals and families preferred
• Strong commitment to CIRA's mission and values in serving immigrants, refugees, and newcomers
• Strong understanding of and ability to work sensitively with people of diverse national, ethnic, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds
• Impeccable integrity and self-directed work style
• Ability to work independently and take initiative as needed
• Ability to pass all required background checks
• Must be at least 18 years of age and authorized to work in the United States

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• This position involves both office-based work using a computer and phone, and regular community-based work meeting clients in various locations throughout the service area
• Position requires frequent travel to rural communities throughout Nebraska and Southwest Iowa to meet with clients and provide services
• Work schedule is Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM with summer hours; role requires flexibility for occasional non-traditional hours based on client needs

COMPENSATION:

• Pay rate starting at $25.00 - $31.25 per hour, commensurate with experience.
• Excellent benefits include:

• Unlimited paid time off (including employee birthday)
• Nine paid holidays, including a year-end holiday break
• Shortened summer Fridays
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan with automatic 5% employer contribution
• Employee Wellness Program and Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Annual professional development stipends
• Relocation assistance; travel and expense reimbursement

TO APPLY:
We invite you to apply by uploading a cover letter, resume, and three professional references all in PDF format to the job application link. 

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities associated with it. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.

INCLUSION & EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
CIRA is fully committed to Equal Employment Opportunity. We do not discriminate based on an individual’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, military service, or any characteristics prohibited by law. This policy governs all aspects of employment at CIRA, including recruiting, hiring, assignments, training, promotions, compensation, employee benefits, employee discipline and discharge, and all other terms and conditions of employment.