Case Worker - Immigration Refugee Services

JOB SUMMARY

The Case Worker will provide intake and enrollment services to eligible clients for Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance.

MINISTERIAL CHARACTER

Catholic Charities is a religious organization founded by the Catholic Diocese of Austin to provide direct social services to those in need. It is related to but separate from the diocese. Catholic Charities helps the Bishop of Austin fulfill Christ's mission in Central Texas. Some positions employed in Catholic Charities of Central Texas help to extend the ministry of the Catholic Church in particular ways as outlined in the job description. Therefore, the Catholic Charities of Central Texas employee in this position is related to and assists the Catholic Church in the performance of its ministry and thereby engages in ministry for the church.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Provide intake and orientation for all eligible clients into the Refugee Cash and Medical Assistance program to ensure clients receive full benefits in accordance with program regulations.
• Develop an individualized service plan and identify activities to complete the service plan based on the client needs assessment to assist client in reaching self-sufficiency.
• Coordinate with staff of other Catholic Charities programs for enrollment of eligible clients
• Process check requests for client cash benefit disbursement and assist with the distribution of client checks including client signatures indicating cash benefit receipt
• Complete all necessary documentation to ensure compliance with funding requirements, license requirements, best practice standards, and agency quality assurance standards including maintaining timely case notes and case files per program requirements.
• Develop and maintain a strong knowledge base of Catholic Charities programming and community resources.
• Assist the Program Manager to identify and implement actions to improve effectiveness as necessary.
• Prepare and submit all required reports and paper work in a timely and accurate manner.
• Participate in appropriate community collaborations by cultivating positive relationships with relevant funding and monitoring entities, faith based organizations, social service providers, and other community partners.
• Maintain confidential client files, statistical records and case notes.
• Participate as an active team member of Catholic Charities.
• Maintain a work schedule that maximizes availability to staff and customers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Skill in cultural sensitivity and awareness.
• Ability to work within the parameters of a program budget.
• Ability to work independently and with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including low-income persons and other disadvantaged persons.
• Ability to conformably work in a faith-based environment.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to operate various word processing software, spreadsheets, and database programs.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and utilize effective time management techniques to meet deadlines.
• Ability to follow instructions furnished in verbal or written format.
• Ability to create and foster an environment consistent with agency culture, mission, vision, and values.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive relationships with all segments of the community (parishes, priests, religious, laity, Catholic ministries, civic leaders and community agencies.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service to internal and external customers and work effectively with others.
• Ability to travel throughout a 25 county service region as necessary.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Trainings:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited American university or equivalent in a foreign country.

Experience:

• Years of experience may be substituted for the educational requirement at a ratio of one (2) years of full time wage earning experience equals one (1) year of education, with a substitution of eight (8) years' experience equals a bachelor's degree.

• Experience working with diverse populations, with refugee social service programs preferred

Licenses/Certifications:

• Valid Texas driver's license.

• Must be certified in Diocese of Austin EIM within 60 days of employment, and maintain certification throughout the employment period.

WORK HOURS AND LOCATION

Regular office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. This position may require working some evenings and weekends. This position works at our Killeen office.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Catholic Charities is an at-will employer.
• All buildings and vehicles owned by Catholic Charities of Central Texas are tobacco free.
• Working in a fast-paced environment with priorities and plans that may change rapidly.
• Will be exposed to religious ceremonies, conduct and speech including Catholic Christian prayer and liturgical celebrations.
• Will be required to adhere to established dress codes and conduct standards.
• Working on weekends, evenings and some holidays may be required.
• May be required to use personal or agency vehicles to drive to off-site locations through a 25 county region.
• Traveling within and outside the 25 county service region for meetings and other events may be required, and travel may include overnight lodging.