POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for case management work with individuals and couples with children under the age of 18 enrolled in Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS). The case manager ensures that clients receive support and information about community resources that enable them to move toward and become stabilized in independent living. In many cases, clients will be served for several years. Case managers of RAIS must perform their service in accordance with all stipulations of the grant through which this position is funded.

ABOUT US

CSS is a Catholic human and social services agency and behavioral health care provider that welcomes people of all faiths through its programs and employment. We provide help for our Alaskan neighbors through a variety of supportive service programs, including emergency shelter, food stability, housing, case management, and refugee assistance. CSS empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, CSS is a nationally accredited organization through the Council on Accreditation (COA), which recognizes that CSS provides high quality services that meet best practice standards in the social service field.

Mission : We compassionately serve those in need, strengthen individuals and families, and advocate for the common good .

Vision: All Individuals and Families are Flourishing.

Impact Statement: Catholic Social Services empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all.

Guiding Principles : - Catholic Social Teachings - Reverence for humanity - Striving for excellence - Empowering personal fulfillment - Strengthening through collaboration

ABOUT OUR PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT

Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS) provides a bridge for refugees (individuals who have had to flee their countries of origin due to the tragedies of persecution and war) and other new arrivals from their former life experiences to the new skills required for success in the United States. Through a focus on economic self-sufficiency, community integration, and a respect for unique cultures, history and traditions, RAIS creates an environment of compassion and encouragement for refugees to flourish.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Must be able to maintain program/guest/agency confidentiality and professional boundaries while treating each individual with dignity and respect.

Highly organized with keen attention to detail.

Self-motivated and directed with the ability to work alone or as part of a team.

Works well within a rapidly changing environment. Supports group decisions and puts group goals ahead of personal goals.

Communicates openly and honestly.

Deals with difficult and adverse events while maintaining professionalism.

Responds appropriately in the face of tension, emotion, and resistance and seeks support from others when necessary.

Demonstrated leadership, dependability, maturity, creativity, discretion, initiative, and flexibility.

Ability and desire to work with a variety of people to carry out the mission and purpose of the program.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of working with people from different cultures.
• Knowledge of how to navigate community resources.

Skill:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in basic office applications such as Word, Excel, etc.
• Familiarity with computers, internet and experience with e-mail required.
• Ability to gather information and assess client situation rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to write clear, grammatically correct log notes, spell, and alphabetize.
• Ability to complete paperwork thoroughly and accurately.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Problem solving.
• Willingness to learn.
• Discretion, flexibility, and organizational ability sufficient to fulfill position responsibility with minimum supervision.
• Ability to relate to other employees, program participants and the public.

R ESPONSIBILITIES

Conduct intakes and complete needs assessments. Assist enrolled clients in developing detailed plans for achieving employment and self-sufficiency, including completing budgets and Quality of Life scales.

Administer Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), making determinations in eligibility and payments monthly.

Administer Refugee Supportive Services (RSS) and other grants.

Determine client need and provide supportive services.

Responsible for service coordination by assisting clients in implementing their plans, facilitating access, and providing linkage to community resources.

Provide professional support to clients by maintaining regular contact through office and home visits to provide support, consultation, guidance, and referrals.

Assist clients with all necessary documentation for program services and access to appropriate public benefits and services.

Complete documentation of all meetings with and work related to clients thoroughly, accurately and in a timely fashion. All client documentation will be filed in the appropriate client or program file.

Guide and act as client advocate in locating employment, medical and mental health services, transportation, public benefits, and other needed services, through contacts, internet, and other available sources.

Coordinate interpreter and translation services. Serve as interpreter or translator or utilize interpreters or translators as appropriate.

Keep informed of staff communications, changes in RAIS policies, procedures, and new community resource information daily.

Answer telephones courteously; log referrals. Return phone and e-mail messages in a timely manner.

Assist in crisis intervention as necessary, obtaining police, medical, psychiatric, or other emergency services for client(s), as appropriate, and applying CPR techniques when appropriate.

Maintain liaison with community resources, municipal, state, and federal agencies; document contact appropriately.

Manage client confidentiality; handle sensitive personal information.

Submit reports to supervisor as assigned.

Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Education Requirement: High School Diploma or equivalent.

Minimum Experience Requirement: One (1) year of experience working with refugees in a case management or similar role.

A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Physical demands: Work is performed in a standard indoor office environment. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Frequently sitting or standing at a desk for several hours at a time.

Travel: Frequent travel within Wasilla is required. Rare travel to Anchorage office.

Location: 1225 W. Spruce Ave, Wasilla, AK.