Case Manager (Refugee & Immigrant Youth)

Our Mission: Lutheran Community Services Northwest partners with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope.

About Us Lutheran Community Services Northwest is a non-profit human services agency that improves lives of people in communities throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. We provide a wide variety of services to adults, adolescents, children, families, schools and communities. We are privileged to touch lives of all ages, cultures and faiths.

The Role: The Independent Living Case Manager (ILCM) within our Unaccompanied Refugee Minor (URM) Program provides education and skill development to youth and young adults (ages 16-20); supporting them to develop independent living skills, build community, and connect to resources in preparation for emancipation from foster care. This position also focuses on resource and curriculum development tailored to the needs of URMs.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Plan, develop curriculum and facilitate monthly youth groups to facilitate community building and teach Independent Living Skills in the areas of education, employment, housing, daily living, health, legal, finances & money management, transportation, and communication & technology
• Develop youth-centered and culturally responsive curriculum using different platforms and modes of communication tailored to the ages (16-20), language needs, learning styles, and communication styles of URM youth
• Plan and facilitate community events and workshops for youth to strengthen their ties to the community, familiarity with services, and opportunities available in the wider Seattle area
• Support refugee and immigrant youth in independent living skill acquisition and goal development through scheduled drop-in hours and one-on-one meetings
• While working in collaboration with youth and program social workers, consider the youth’s personal goals, strengths/areas for greater skill development, cultural, religious, and ethnic background and promote wellbeing, safety, and self-sufficiency
• Provide client transportation/assistance for activities related to goal development, monthly youth groups, or appointments as needed (Please note, the work location for this position based out of the office, at home, and in the community)
• Engage in relationship building with community partners, including providing advocacy and resource referrals as needed and working across a variety of sectors and systems, such as education, immigration, housing, health, etc.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required.

• Demonstrated strong cross-cultural communication skills and ability to build rapport and work effectively with teens from diverse backgrounds
• High level of computer literacy required. Be able to enter and retrieve data using computer systems, systems applications, cell phone applications, and other office equipment
• Be able to relate to and work with team members, foster families, and community partners from diverse backgrounds
• Be able to take initiative on research projects or tasks assigned and able to work both individually and in team settings
• Be able to multitask and prioritize the needs of clients and the program with competing deadlines
• This position requires regular local travel. Must have a valid driver’s license, auto insurance, and regular access to a reliable vehicle
• Occasional evenings required
  
  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in social services or a closely related field, required
• Experience working in child welfare, with immigrant and refugee populations, and/or with youth, required
• Experience teaching or leading groups, and creating educational or outreach materials, required
  
  

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Frequent travel in King County. Possible travel in Pierce and Snohomish Counties. Requires a valid Washington State Driver’s License and auto insurance, and regular access to a reliable vehicle.

THE PERKS: We offer a full benefits package with options for medical, dental, prescription and vision coverage; employer-paid short and long-term disability, as well as life insurance. Vacation includes up to 2 weeks in the first year. Up to 2 weeks of Sick leave for you or to take care of your immediate family (based on hours worked). 12 Paid Holidays plus 2 Floating Holidays each year. A 403(b) Retirement plan, with employer matching after meeting eligibility requirements. Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help and support you. Staff potentially eligible for Student Loan Forgiveness program as a 501(c) 3 employer.

We thank all candidates in advance for their interest in joining the Lutheran Community Services Northwest team. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

LUTHERAN COMMUNITY SERVICES NORTHWEST IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND COMMITTED TO CULTURAL COMPETENCY.