Job Summary

Riis Settlement seeks a full-time Case Manager (bilingual English/Spanish) to help low-income immigrants in western Queens to navigate and access community resources. The Case Manager will connect immigrant participants to a range of needed benefits and services, including: government benefits, food assistance, housing, health care, and employment. The Case Manager identifies available resources, assists with applications or referrals, and follows up to ensure that services adequately address participant needs. The Case Manager will join the Immigrant Services program, a dynamic team dedicated to providing immigrants with the resources, opportunities, and support needed to help them grow and achieve self-sufficiency.

Organizational Background

Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement is a community-based non-profit organization that offers comprehensive services to the youth, adults, seniors and immigrants in the Western Queens community. Our mission is to build and strengthen underserved communities in Western Queens and act as a catalyst for change. The Immigrant Services program at Riis Settlement was founded to meet the needs of a growing immigrant population in Queensbridge Houses and the surrounding Long Island City and Astoria communities. Through ESOL and citizenship classes, immigration legal services, case management, and community outreach and education, we support immigrants to become active community members and to be successful in education, work, and civic life.

Job Responsibilities

• Conduct intake interviews with low-income immigrant community members to assess their strengths, needs, and eligibility for relevant benefits and services.
• Provide assistance to connect clients with community resources to meet their needs, including: public benefits, food, housing/rental assistance, health care and mental health services, education programs, tax and financial services, and emergency relief grants.
• Assist with completing applications or other paperwork required to access services. Follow up as needed to ensure receipt of services.
• Develop referral relationships with Riis programs and external service providers; regularly research and update the list of community resources to facilitate referrals.
• Coach clients to develop self-advocacy skills, including guiding them to navigate systems and independently access the services and benefits they need.
• Provide all information and services in a manner that is culturally and linguistically appropriate and ensures accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
• Enter all case information into electronic databases on a timely basis, including intake information, case notes, and outcomes. Maintain client files with supporting documents.
• Help train and supervise additional program staff and/or interns to provide case assistance, as needed.
• Provide support for other Immigrant Services programs, including participating in community outreach efforts, assisting with registration and orientation, and pre/post-testing students in the ESOL program.
• Engage in trainings, advocacy meetings, and campaigns related to key issues in the immigrant communities we work with.

Statement of Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Bilingual English/Spanish required. Proficiency in Portuguese, Chinese, Bangla, or Arabic is a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, social sciences, or other related field.
• One year experience providing access services and/or other relevant services to low-income community members, preferably in a non-profit setting.
• Strong commitment to immigrants and workers rights, including experience working with the immigrant community.
• Knowledge of public benefits and resources available to immigrants in New York City.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including oral and written communication.
• Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills, with ability to work independently.
• Positive and welcoming attitude, with ability to effectively engage diverse ethnic populations and outreach in local communities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.
• Ability to work on-site in Long Island City, Queens, with availability to work occasional evenings and weekends.