Program of Initial Resettlement Case Manager
Nationalities Service CenterAbout the Organization:
Nationalities Service Center (NSC) serves more than 3,000 immigrants and refugees each year from over 110 countries. We provide comprehensive services in immigration law matters, community transition and integration, access to health and wellness, language proficiency, and job readiness training for immigrants and refugees. NSC’s mission is to welcome and empower immigrants to thrive in our communities and pursue a just future. Our vision is that all immigrants achieve a life of safety and stability, sustainable opportunities, and meaningful community connections.
Position Summary:
The Program of Initial Resettlement Case Manager at Nationalities Service Center serves as a vital link between newly arrived refugees and necessary services to assist them during their resettlement period. The Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR) program is funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) and resettles refugees that are processed through ORR. The PIR team at NSC is the first point of contact at the agency for newly arrived refugee cases assigned to NSC in Philadelphia. Through a trauma-informed approach, PIR staff deliver a welcoming and supportive experience for those who call Philadelphia their new home. During the 90-day resettlement period, the PIR Case Manager will provide transportation orientation, home set-ups, utility navigation support, accompaniments, and cultural orientation, among other duties. Members of the PIR team connect clients to services, benefits, and education to assist in their establishment in the Philadelphia area. The PIR Case Manager will also support NSC's Food Access program, including making weekly food purchases and providing occasional pantry coverage on an as-needed basis.
The PIR Case Manager has internal contacts with the entire staff and external contact with clients, representatives of social services agencies and medical providers, and the community. This position has access to sensitive NSC and client information and is expected to handle such information with integrity and professionalism.
The PIR Case Manager will report directly to the Associate Director of Newcomer Services and Housing.
Essential Functions:
The PIR Case Manager will provide support to newcomers in a number of key areas:
- Provide case management service for PIR clients starting at arrival up until their 90th day in the U.S. This includes referrals to eligible employment programming, connections to benefits and services, client home visits, and completion of required case documentation
- Pre-arrival –Assist PIR program with completion of pre-arrival activities including preparation of required PIR list of goods, conducting home set-up including cleaning and preparation of home prior to client’s arrival
- Complete airport pickups for arriving refugees. These often occur in the evening hours and are a requirement of the PIR program
- Cultural Orientation- Provide coordination, oversight and facilitation of cultural orientation curriculum to newly arrived clients.
- Support clients with scheduling of health appointments, selecting health insurance plans, escorting as needed to health appointments, and educating clients on the health systems in the U.S. and how to navigate them
- Coordination with student interns – Delegate certain client calls and other tasks to student interns or year long volunteers.
- Weekly purchase of NSC Food Access pantry items, in coordination with Food Access Coordinator
- Cover the NSC Food Pantry on occasion when additional staff support is needed
As the PIR Case Manager will have recurring access to vulnerable populations, a criminal background and child abuse check will be required.
Other Duties
- Attend relevant workshops or join professional groups as necessary to maintain professional knowledge and licensure.
- Adhere to NSC’s confidentiality guidelines and ensure the appropriate handling of sensitive information.
- Attend relevant staff meetings to promote communication and execution of goals.
- Complete special projects specific to the function of the department or as needed for the department as directed by Supervisor.
- Other duties as assigned within the scope of position expectations.
Qualifications:
- Demonstrates a working understanding of NSC’s mission, vision, values, programs and services, and business plan.
- Possesses strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by compassionate, courteous, cordial, cooperative, and professional interaction with diverse groups.
- Demonstrates ability to manage multiple tasks by carefully setting priorities, meeting deadlines, and scheduling time efficiently.
- Demonstrates ability to organize tasks in an efficient manner and follow-up and follow-through with strong attention to detail in a fast-paced environment.
- Demonstrates ability to work with other people through a cooperative effort.
- Awareness of local resources and ability to seek out new resources that can benefit clients and their households.
- Adheres to all NSC policies and procedures.
- Attends all NSC in-services as required.
Typical Schedule/Work Hours:
Usually Monday through Thursday, 9:00-5:00PM and 9:00-1:00pm on Friday. Occasional earlier arrival or later end time needed due to when client appointments are scheduled. Occasional evening hours for outreach events and welcoming new refugee arrivals
Experience, Education, and Licensure
Minimum Experience: 1+ years of case management experience or experience working within the refugee and immigrant community required.
Minimum Education: BSW or Undergraduate Degree in a related field or Equivalent preferred. High School Diploma or Equivalent required.
Certification: Valid driver’s license and reliable access to a vehicle are required.
Working Conditions:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
- This position will be hybrid between NSC’s Center City office and remote work.
- COVID-Vaccine: NSC has determined that the best way to protect our employees and the community we serve is to require all staff who are working on-site be fully vaccinated.
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or equipment; reach with hands and arms; balance; talk or hear. The employee will occasionally climb stairs; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl; taste or smell.
- The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
- Operate general office equipment with frequent work at a computer workstation.
- Specific vision abilities required by the job include frequent reading and close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.
Commitment to Inclusion Statement:
NSC is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of non-discrimination in all employment practices and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nor any other basis protected under applicable law.
Disclaimer:
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.