YWCA Immigrant Services Support Worker

Organization Summary: YWCA Northwestern Illinois offers mission-driven programs to enrich the lives of women, children and families in Rockford and Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson, McHenry, and Jo Daviess counties. This position will work out of Stephenson county.

Job summary: The qualified candidate will be responsible for educating and encouraging eligible immigrants with limited English skills regarding their rights to apply for and receive public benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, All Kids, etc. Assist clients with application processes, including but not limited to helping them with paperwork and interpreting as needed. Other responsibilities include attending relevant training; scheduling and presenting at informational meetings for benefit providers and recipients; promoting the program through Spanish-language media and other outlets that reach immigrant and refugee communities. This position is an hourly non-exempt position.

Note: There will be a probationary period for this position. Qualified candidates will be connected with appropriate staffing agencies to complete the hiring process. Upon completion of probationary period, pay will increase to $17.00 per hour.

Summary of essential job functions:

• Provides outreach to the immigrant and refugee community about the availability of public benefits and other services that support personal and family well-being and economic self-sufficiency through various means
• Provide information and referral services to immigrant families
• Provide case management services to immigrant families who need long-term assistance accessing and maintaining benefits and services
• Provide accurate interpretation and/or translation services for immigrants who have difficulty communicating with the Illinois Department of Human Services and other agencies offering supportive services due to language barriers.
• Provide culturally appropriate services
• Complete assessments to determine client eligibility
• Maintain database and client files
• Provide follow up on open cases with the Illinois Department of Human Services and other offices to ensure they are being processed as needed
• Provide follow up on closed cases even though proper documentation was submitted
• Other duties include regular attendance at staff meetings and required trainings, following a team centered approach
• Other duties as assigned by the CEO or CAO

Minimum requirements

• Associate’s degree in Human Services or related field and/or at least 2 years related experience
• Have expertise with various crisis intervention techniques
• Obtain 40 hour Domestic Violence training-this can be completed once hired
• Knowledge of Illinois public benefits and DCFS a plus
• Must be Bilingual
• Experience working with minority populations
• Possess good written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate well with others and further the mission of the YWCA
• Obtain and document a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of professional development annually
• Basic computer skills
• Ability to lift 30 pounds
• Current Illinois driver’s license and valid vehicle insurance

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $16.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $17 - $17