Case Manager

Type of position: Full time - 40 hours per week
Length of Contract: 12 Months 

ABOUT THE STEPS CENTER
The STEPS Center is a shelter for survivors of trafficking and those at-risk exists to protect, empower, and support the recovery and reintegration of survivors and those at-risk of human trafficking. The STEPS Center exists through a public-private partnership between SEED and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The objectives of the shelter are to 1) provide safe shelter to survivors and those at-risk; 2) provide comprehensive services to survivors necessary to support their recovery and reintegration goals, including services for physical health, mental health, legal support, economic empowerment, social support, and long-term housing options; and 3) equip residents to know and claim their rights. The shelter staff are committed to providing services that are survivor-centered, rights-based, trauma informed, and non-discriminatory.

ROLE OF THE CASE MANAGER
The Case Manager is responsible to provide services to protect, empower, and support the recovery of survivors of trafficking and those at-risk through day-to-day general care and comprehensive case management. The case manager will work with shelter residents to holistically address their needs through services within the shelter as well as partner referrals. While all case managers will receive training and supervision, successful candidates must be compassionate, confident, diligent, trustworthy, resourceful, interested in learning new skills, and able to work both independently and as part of a team. The case manager must be willing and interested to work with team members and residents of different religious, ethnic, cultural, educational, and socio-economic backgrounds. All services will be provided in accordance with international ethical standards. 

TASKS

Shelter Intake - 20%

• Conduct intake assessments for individuals seeking services at the shelter, as assigned, ensuring assessment of individual’s desire for services, needs, and risk associated with entry into the shelter

• Make recommendations to the Admissions Committee regarding acceptance within the shelter

• Facilitate intake procedures in accordance with the Shelter Admission Policy

Case Management- 40%

• Provide confidential case management services to residents in line with shelter values and operating principles.

• Conduct thorough needs assessments to understand resident strengths and needs as well as their goals.

• Provide confidential ongoing MHPSS services to residents and their families, as needed, to include the collaborative development of a Case Plan using SMART goals.

• Facilitate referrals to partner agencies providing services in accordance with shelter policy, as needed per each individual case. 

• Document all interactions with residents and other contacts in relation to a resident’s case in accordance with the shelter’s case management system.

• Facilitate effective group sessions, as relevant to the population being served.

• Participate in supervision sessions as required.

• Attend relevant training sessions, as assigned, to ensure that the highest quality services can be delivered.

• Participate in the development and implementation of outreach and community engagement plans.

• Support the development and utilization of referral pathways to enhance resident access to services.

• Maintain positive relationships with program partners.

Administer Shelter Routine - 40%

• Ensure residents comply with shelter expectations and regulations, per shelter policies.

• Assist in conflict resolution, utilizing shelter policy, in order to manage disputes between residents.

• Manage critical incidents, per shelter policy, and engage senior management to problem solve and address concerns.

• Identify activities that are relevant and therapeutic from which residents would benefit within the shelter and coordinate with the Service Delivery Supervisor to implement and document all activities.

• In collaboration with the Service Delivery Supervisor, implement the shelter weekly routine for residents.

• Notify Program Coordinator of any shelter maintenance or procurement issues identified.

• Perform other duties, as assigned.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

• University degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or a related field

• Experience working with survivors of violence for 2+ years

• Experience providing case management, basic psychosocial support services, and community outreach; experience providing psychological first aid a plus

• Experience working within a shelter serving survivors of violence preferred

• Strong belief in human rights and equality

• Good interpersonal skills, ability to exhibit empathy and build trust with others

• Strong ability to work independently, including ability to multitask, prioritize competing tasks, and manage time effectively

• High standard of spoken and written Kurdish and English; Arabic a plus

• Good computer skills, including use of email and Microsoft Word 

• Ability to work in a stressful setting and adapt quickly to changing environments