Senior Caseworker (I) 168 views0 applications

Job Title: Senior Caseworker
Grade: 5 (I)
Level: Specialist
Salary: $34,486 Annually
Division: Programs
Section: Field Processing
Location: Nairobi, Kenya

CWS RSC Africa
The Resettlement Support Center (CWS RSC Africa) operates a US refugee resettlement program in sub-Saharan Africa through a Cooperative Agreement with the Department of State/Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration. CWS RSC Africa is responsible for the preparation of refugee case files for adjudication by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) officers, as well as the out-processing and cultural orientation of all approved cases. CWS RSC Africa is administered by the Church World Service Immigration Refugee Program (CWS/IRP) and is based in Nairobi, Kenya, with a sub-office in Pretoria, South Africa.

Benefits

CWS Global and RSC Africa offer a total compensation package. The total compensation package includes a housing stipend, company life insurance, comprehensive health insurance, vision coverage, a non-participatory 5% retirement contribution, 22 vacation days a year, 3 personal days per calendar year, 1 day of sick leave per month, AD&D insurance, Bereavement leave, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and optional dental coverage.

EEOC
Church World Service does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or the provision of services.

Due to the volume of applications that we receive, only those individuals shortlisted will be contacted.

To Apply:
Please click the below link to apply directly online to this position.
https://rscafrica.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a2d9enfxxzay?preview=1

This position is open to international applicants.

Please note CWS RSC Africa does not accept resumes for positions that are not posted. All applicants are required to submit their resume using the on-line applicant tracking system.

Eligibility List
The eligibility list established as a result of this job posting will be used for a minimum of six months or until the list is exhausted. This list will be used to fill any current and immediate future vacancies. Individuals who are interested in this position should submit their application materials now.

Communication
Please note CWS RSC Africa uses e-mail for all recruitment contacts. Please be sure to check your e-mail regularly.

Application Materials
Your application materials should clearly indicate how you meet the requirements of the position. Be sure your resume is in an easy to read format. Dates of employment on your resume should be in mm/yy format.

Primary Purpose

This position is responsible for implementing all United States Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) Field Processing activity at RSC Africa and ensuring that RSC Africa processing priorities and targets are met and that standard operating procedures are strictly followed.

Supervision

This position reports to a Field Processing Supervisor.

Essential Duties

1. Achieves and maintains a high performance standard based on a thorough knowledge of, and adherence to, established Church World Service Resettlement Support Centre (CWS/RSC Africa), Department of State (DOS), United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and Refugee Processing Centre (RPC) policies and procedures regarding current refugee processing eligibility criteria, database, and file management guidelines, the role of US Resettlement Agencies and refugee producing country conditions.
2. Travels throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, as assigned, to conduct resettlement interviews with refugee applicants, collecting biographical information and establishing refugee claims, in a dignified and professional manner.
3. Conducts the AOR Screening and Prescreening One interview, per the daily minimums set by Field Team Management, in a non-confrontational, objective, and dignified manner. This includes:
   1. Determining case composition and ensures all refugee cases are cross-referenced according to established standard operating procedures.
   2. Establishing the validity of an applicant’s identity through verification of all demographic and biographic information including, but not limited to, names, nationalities, birth dates, and locations of all immediate family members in order to complete the refugee case history as required.
   3. Collecting all identity information including photographs, height, and weight.
   4. Documenting applicant’s persecution claim.
   5. Analysing, evaluating, and assessing the eligibility of refugee applicants for final adjudication by USCIS officers.
4. Assists in Adjudications Circuit Rides, which includes completing post-Adjudication review, updating decisions and fingerprints, and preparing and distributing decision letters.
5. Runs Quality Check reports to ensure complete and accurate files, as well as identifies and correct processing errors prior to USCIS adjudication.
6. Identifies and reviews cases pending Prescreening and USCIS interviews in preparation for scheduling, schedules the cases in WRAPS, generates reports for refugee/partner notification, ensures that the reports are centrally filed for easy retrieval, and updates WRAPS accordingly.
7. Prepares cases for CIS, including reviewing physical and WRAPS files and constituting physical files.
8. Works with other Operations departments as necessary to properly update the appropriate cases.
9. Assists as needed in preparing circuit rides. This may include but is not limited to; requisitioning supplies, assisting GSO in preparation, packing of files, contacting interpreters, clean up at the end of the circuit ride, and other tasks as assigned by the Supervisors.
10. Completes and updates all case files all database records.
11. Writes deferrals and info memos for referring agency action, as required.
12. Conducts file reviews in accordance with RSC and USCIS guidelines, paying close attention to detail.
13. Assists in various administrative tasks including but not limited to: research, locating files, data entry, and case analysis.
14. Analyses complex cases in consultation with Supervisors in accordance with established policies and procedures, while remaining open to supervisory direction.
15. Trains new staff as required and contributes to the development of Field Team training procedures and their implementation.
16. Contributes to the development and updating of standard operating procedures for the Field Team in coordination with Field Team Supervisors, Managers and Field Team Coordinator.
17. Provides feedback to staff completing Pre-screening one interviews on the quality of their cases.
18. Serves as a Point of Contact (POC) and lead a team in the field. This includes coordinating and managing logistics in the field for the circuit ride. This also involves but is not limited to; maintaining effective relations with UNHCR, IOM, USCIS, US Embassies and other implementing partners; coordinating transport of files, equipment and supplies; ensuring equipment is well managed and utilized; hiring, supervising and paying of interpreters; completing a trip report and accounting fully for funds advanced; and maintaining thorough knowledge and adherence to Circuit Ride and Field Processing Standard Operating Procedures.
19. If requested, assists with emails in the Field Processing inbox.
20. Facilitates DNA testing for P3 applicants as needed.

This position also undertakes other duties as assigned by CWS/RSC Africa Management.

Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree or four (4) years of paid work experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree is required.

Experience:

• Two (2) years of paid work experience is required.
• Casework or previous resettlement experience is preferred.
• Prior USRAP Field Processing experience preferred.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Second language an advantage; French, Somali, Tigrinya, Amharic, Kinyarwanda or Arabic preferred.
• Demonstrated computer skills, especially Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong verbal and written English language skills.

Abilities:

The Senior Caseworker must have the ability to:

• travel extensively throughout the regions, sometimes on short notice and under difficult conditions;
• accurately type 40 word per minute at 96% accuracy;
• pass the regularly administered job knowledge assessments at 80% or higher;
• communicate effectively both verbally and in writing;.
• follow instructions from the Supervisor with a positive and receptive attitude;
• deal effectively and courteously with a large number of associates, outside agencies, refugees and members of the general public;
• conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner to represent the best interests of RSC Africa and CWS/IRP;
• maintain a high performance standard with attention to detail;
• carry out all of the duties of the position efficiently and effectively with minimal supervision;
• work independently and contribute to overall operations of RSC Africa;
• take initiative in the development and completion of projects;
• lead others and address issues as they arise;
• maintain strict confidentiality with RSC Africa administrative and operational information;
• manage a large and diverse workload under pressure with competing priorities;
• analyze and solve complex problems;
• work well as a team in a multi-cultural environment while maintaining a high level of motivation;
• effectively manage RSC Africa’s resources;
• actively participate in the implementation of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) in Africa

Working Conditions

Physical: This position requires bending, squatting, crawling, climbing, kneeling, sitting, standing, walking, pushing/pulling, handling objects (manual dexterity), reaching above shoulder level, using fine finger movements and lifting/carrying heavy loads.

Environmental: Incumbents in this position will be exposed to excessive noise, moving machinery, marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, dust and infectious diseases, harsh weather climates, non-ventilated spaces and working in confined quarters.

Special Requirements

Background check which includes references and an educational criminal check is required before the start of employment. A valid U.S. passport and the ability to maintain a valid U.S. passport throughout the entire appointment is required, which includes having enough passport pages for travel. The candidate should be of good health, willing and able to travel extensively in often difficult conditions, and have a high degree of flexibility. Must be legally eligible to work and obtain a work permit in Kenya. Must have proof of Yellow Fever vaccination before traveling for RSC Africa. Employee will be entrusted with the receipt, custody and payment of money.

Licensing/Certification

None required.

Competencies

Communication**

Ensure effective exchanges of information with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include speaking to others respectfully; expressing ideas in a logical, organized way; sharing information appropriately; and clarity and conciseness in written communication.

Relationships**

Ensure constructive and supportive interactions with others. Examples of skills and behaviors include being positive and supportive when working with others; sharinginformation and resources freely; resolving conflict constructively; and proactively working to remove obstacles to success for others.

Job Knowledge

Utilize and apply job related knowledge to complete job tasks at a level that meets or exceeds expectations. Examples of skills and behaviors include utilizing job knowledge to solve problems or develop new approaches; maintaining or enhancing skills through continuing education; and taking on projects that will develop or enhance skills.

Teamwork

Work effectively and contribute as a member of a team. Examples of skills and behaviors include supporting other team members by sharing information; covering the workof others during absences, vacations etc.; and actively participating in developing ideas for ways to increase team effectiveness.

Problem Solving

Analyze information and develop solutions to challenges that arise during the course of performing a job. Examples of skills and behaviors include researching and collectingfacts; defining the issues and the parties affected; formulating options/solutions for addressing the problem; and engendering support for and implementing the solution.

Program Planning and Management

Organize work and/or plan projects and ensure timely completion and/or successful implementation. Examples of skills and behaviors include identifying and analyzing program options; identifying the tasks and deliverables required for successful completion; managing one’s time; monitoring the resources involved and ensuring that theyare directed most effectively; and working with all involved to ensure successful completion.

Leadership

Guide and direct oneself or other individuals and groups toward a desired outcome. Examples of skills and behaviors include taking the appropriate level of initiative toresolve problems or remove obstacles, bringing individuals together around a common goal; evaluating information and making decisions; navigating conflict and obstacles; and ensuring that communication takes place between all parties involved.

Resource Building and Stewardship

Balance the acquisition or investment of organization resources with responsible use of those resources in line with the organization’s mission. Examples of skills and behaviors include taking advantage of all opportunities to cultivate potential donors; evaluating situations to identify the best use of resources; and making responsible investments of resources that increase organization effectiveness.