Caseworker At International Rescue Committee

Location: Metropolitan City of Milan
Duration: 12 months
Type of Contract : Full Time

Background

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries, the IRC aims to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. In response to the increased refugee arrivals into Europe, the IRC established the program initially in Greece, which was expanded with programs in Serbia and wider Balkans and with programs in Germany. Following a first assessment conducted in January 2017 in Italy and another one in July 2017, several critical protection gaps were identified within assistance provided to refugees in migrants in Italy: mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS), assistance to unaccompanied children, information provision and legal support. To respond to the identified gaps IRC established a small presence in Italy. Programs in Italy include: Refugee.Info web-based information platform, child protection programming targeting unaccompanied children and victims of trafficking, mentoring programs for the socio-economic inclusion of refugee youth, WPE and education (social emotional learning and healing classrooms), emergency response to the Afghan crisis on the border between Italy and Slovenia. The IRC is setting up a response to the Ukraine refugee crisis with mental health and protection components in Milan metropolitan area.

Job Summary

The Case worker(s) will be based in Milan and support IRC protection and MHPSS response to refugees from Ukraine. Under the Program Manager’s supervision and in collaboration with the Psychologist and the cultural mediator, the Case Worker(s) will enhance the individual and collective well-being and ensure that vulnerable people, including children and adults are safeguarded from harm and have access to basic needs and rights. The position will be supported by IRC technical advisors

Specific Duties and Responsibilities:

· Conducting comprehensive assessments of individuals and families, developing action plans, delivering direct service provision, referrals and follow ups for an assigned case load;

· Offering information, support and advocacy to individuals and families, including escorting them if necessary to relevant services;

· Recommending the best course of action for a particular person or family based on their needs;

· Liaising with, and making referrals to, other agencies and conduct follow ups to assess progress;

· Contributing to the development of activities and facilitation of group sessions in relation to psycho-social support and increased well-being of the target population;

· Updating mapping of services regularly

· Ensuring effective working relations with the Public Services and other actors related to the interventions;

· Working in close collaboration with MHPSS and other IRC colleagues;

· Participating in multidisciplinary teams, case conferences, working groups, ad hoc workshops and thematic trainings when required;

· Maintaining accurate and secured records and update them in a timely manner.

· Communicating regularly with the MHPSS team and if relevant, with other protection staff, for updates on achievements and challenges;

· Participating in MHPSS training, supervision and team meetings.

· Other duties as assigned by the supervisor to enable and develop IRC programs.

Reporting Lines

Position directly reports to: Program Manager, IRC Italy

Expected Travel

This position is based in Milan.

REQUIREMENTS:

● Technical diploma or degree in social work, psychology or a related mental health field;

● Minimum of 2 year experience in protection/case management in Italy;

● Experience and demonstrated understanding of working with a refugee or migrant population;

● Understanding of protection, mental health and psycho-social issues;

● Ability and composure to deal with crises and stressful incidents

● Knowledge of standard legal procedures;

● Personal qualities: Team player, flexible, well organized, network-builder, able to handle pressure well and work in cross-cultural setting;

● Ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure;

● Fluency in English and Italian, knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is an asset;

● Experience working with international development programs highly desirable.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability.