Reception & Placement Case Manager - Direct Requisition #: req14427 Location: Kalamazoo, MI Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week)At Bethany Christian Services, we believe families provide the strongest foundation for care and connection. That's why we focus on strengthening and empowering families, always advocating for family-centered solutions to keep children safe. Our work began in 1944 with the care of a single child. Today, inspired by our faith, our aim is to demonstrate the love and compassion of Jesus in our services for children, youth, and families. Working at Bethany means joining a team of nearly 2,000 dedicated professionals with diverse skills, serving communities across the country. Together, we're united in our mission and these shared values: we're motivated by our faith, we support one another, we champion justice, we pursue excellence, and we're in it for the long haul. The purpose of the R&P Case Manager is to provide intensive case management services primarily during the Reception & Placement (R&P) period, the first 90 days from a refugee's date of arrival. The R&P Case Manager is the first and most important service provider in the lives of newly arriving refugees. As a Reception & Placement Case Manager, you will be primarily responsible for maintaining regular and consistent contact with the refugee(s), assess and monitor refugees' needs and goals, advocate on behalf of refugees to guarantee that they receive benefits and quality care, and make referrals to outside organizations to ensure that refugees' needs are met. This individual will also document these services in accordance with the guidelines listed in the Cooperative Agreement. ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides a comprehensive orientation and intake to newly arriving refugees that assesses client needs and goals, communicates expectations of the resettlement process and establishes a strong, supportive relationship with the client;
- Educates clients throughout the R&P period on how to access needed services so that refugees are able to attain and maintain self-sufficiency once the service period has ended;
- Ensures the provision of mandated core services including a health screening, applying for public benefits, school enrollment, and all other required services;
- Maintains up-to-date programmatic knowledge of all services (health department, social security, welfare, etc.) involving refugees;
- Provides information and referrals that are culturally and financially appropriate to assist clients in maintaining basic needs and reaching self-sufficiency;
- Maintains up-to-date knowledge of the requirements of the Cooperative Agreement;
- Provides or secures transportation to refugees for needed services;
- Secures interpreters for clients who have limited understanding of the English language;
- Documents all services provided to clients in accordance with Cooperative Agreement and Bethany policies and procedures;
- Prepares client reports within required deadlines;
- Coordinates with Bethany staff on other client needs that arise and makes referrals accordingly;
- Ensures that program goals and outcomes are achieved;
- Works closely with Bethany staff, co-sponsors, and volunteers to ensure that all services are delivered to clients;
- Participates in Bethany staff training and development activities;
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's level degree in Human Services, Social Work or related field of study from an accredited college;
- Bilingual in English and at least one of the following languages: Arabic, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, French, Swahili, Somali, Burmese, or Nepali;
- Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills;
- Sensitivity in communicating and developing relationships cross culturally;
- Ability to work as part of a team;
- Ability to work a flexible work schedule (including late night airport arrivals and occasional Saturday home visits);
- Commitment to goals of refugee resettlement, co-sponsorship and mission of program;
- Prior social work or ministry experience, preferred.
- Computer skillssufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of MicrosoftOffice suite;
- Must be 21 years old with a valid driver'slicense with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate avehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR)check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurancecoverage;
- Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
- Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith, Mission Statement, and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Commitment.
#LI-LA1