AMP Caseworker

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT 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 work environment in which all employees are able to contribute their best.
OUR VALUES Be a Mensch:  We are ethical, kind, and admirable. We assume good intent and act with integrity. We are thoughtful and deliberative in how we support our clients, each other, and the community. “Choose generosity over judgment—every time”  Be Purpose-Built: We create spaces and programs that respect clients’ individuality and opens access. We strive to meet the individual where they’re at and give them the tools to be successful Be Resolute: We work with tenacity to identify problems, seek out solutions, and get things done. Even small steps forward are acts of resilience.
SUMMARY The AMP Case Worker will provide case management services to asylum seekers, refugees, and immigrants, offering support and resources to help them achieve self-sufficiency, reduce poverty, and attain independence in the United States. This position primarily assists clients in accessing medical, social, employment, educational, and other essential services, while helping them navigate local systems.
RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Provide Social Services: 

• Provide case management services for asylum seekers and refugees as defined by grant guidelines. This may include housing search, financial management, access to public benefits, medical appointments, school registration, connection to food pantries, linkage to legal support and other services required by AMP guidelines.
• Complete Intake and needs assessment and subsequent internal/external referrals to promote self-sufficiency and integration with a strong focus on employment.
• Provide ongoing cultural and community orientation to clients to promote independent access to community resources.

Advocate for client’s rights: 

• Coordinate and/or advocate for interpretation services to clients to ensure equal access to eligible services regardless of language barrier.
• Advocate on behalf of refugees, asylum seekers, and link clients with legal support to secure permanent immigration status. 
• Promote client rights and access to social services, social security, health providers, mental health services, and other supportive services.

Reporting and maintaining files: 

• Accurately document all contacts and services in client case files and maintain case note logs by funder guidelines.
• Complete case reports as required by grant funders.
• Secure and schedule appointments for clients with service providers and provide or arrange transportation to appointments when necessary.

Development and training: 

• Provide interpretation and translation for agency services as applicable.
• Attend agency and department meetings as required.
• Participate in training as required.

Programs interaction and support:

• Provide Services to AMP clients, complete intakes, provide financial assistance and referrals for clients. 
• Collaborate with different departments in the agency, case workers and senior management. 

QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience:

• Minimum of an associate degree in a human services related discipline required .
• Experience providing direct services to refugees and immigrants.
• Experience linking clients to a broad range of essential, community-based services.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to provide culturally sensitive case management.
• Proficient communication skills for interaction with clients and the public.
• Strong time management and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of community resources for refugees and immigrants.
• Informed about refugee and immigrant issues, and available services to clients
• Strong computer skills, especially with Microsoft Outlook and Word.
• Familiarity with and appreciation of issues related to people with diverse cultures and languages.
• Fluency in a refugee language (Somali, Nepali, Burmese, Chin, Karen, Swahili, French, or other) is preferred along with superior written and verbal communication skills.

Competencies:

• 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.
• 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. Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities
• Communication Intelligence - Listens to others, able to communicate issues clearly and credibly with widely varied audiences and overcome resistance; fosters open communication and manages emotion in positive ways.
• Client Focus - Understands and meets customer needs, whether internal or external, providing a high level of service and cooperation, courteousness & sensitivity)

Expectation Based on Agency Values:

• Must possess a complete commitment to, and understanding of, Jewish Family Service’s Mission & Vision.
• Cultural Responsiveness – Ensure staff and programming treat each individual with respect - we honor staff and clients and meet them where they are with regard for their unique wants and needs. ( Anava )
• Partnership – Ensure staff and programs develop and maintain partnerships to support health and well-being and recognize its role in helping individuals and families achieve meaningful and lasting change. ( Chevrutah )
• Trust - Work with integrity and be accountable and responsive to others to build a foundation of trust. ( Eimun )
• person Centered Care – Believe in and show through daily practice the dignity and inherent worth of every individual at every stage of life and work to address their needs as a whole person. ( B’Tselem Elohim )

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Will work in the office and in the community; travel is a daily requirement as part of the provision of services to refugee clients, including expectation to transport clients to and from appointments.
• Must have access to a reliable vehicle, possess a valid, clean driver’s license and be sufficiently self-insured with liability insurance in the amount of $100/$300k.
• Flexible hours include days and some evenings, late nights, and weekends.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical activities and efforts required working in an office environment and the ability to move small furniture in preparation of an apartment. This may include making beds, arranging household items, and helping move client luggage.
• Visual acuity is sufficient to maintain system of files and reports containing computer-generated and handwritten documents.
• Auditory acuity is sufficient to communicate with staff and others by phone and in person.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• Competitive salary of $22 - $27/hour, commensurate with experience & qualifications.
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) of 4+ weeks in addition to a paid agency wide shut down between Christmas and New Year's Day.
• 401k retirement plan with agency contribution of 4%.
• 13+ observed holidays annually.
• Reduced full-time work week of 35 hours and early close on Fridays.