Immigrant Services Support Worker

Organization Summary: YWCA Northwestern Illinois offers mission-driven programs to enrich the lives of women, children and families in Rockford and Winnebago, Boone, Stephenson, McHenry, and Jo Daviess counties. This position will work out of Stephenson county.

Job summary:  Responsible for educating and encouraging eligible immigrants with limited English skills regarding their rights to apply for and receive public benefits such as SNAP, Medicaid, All Kids, etc. Assist clients with application processes, including but not limited to helping them with paperwork and interpreting as needed. Other responsibilities include attending relevant training; scheduling and presenting at informational meetings for benefit providers and recipients; promoting the program through Spanish-language media and other outlets that reach immigrant and refugee communities. This position is an hourly non-exempt position.

Summary of essential job functions:

Provide outreach to the immigrant and refugee community about the availability of public benefits and other services that support personal and family well-being and economic self-sufficiency through various means
Provide information and referral services to immigrant families
Provide case management services to immigrant families who need long-term assistance accessing and maintaining benefits and services
Provide accurate interpretation and/or translation services for immigrants who have difficulty communicating with the Illinois Department of Human Services and other agencies offering supportive services due to language barriers.
Provide culturally appropriate services
Complete assessments to determine client eligibility
Maintain database and client files
Provide follow up on open cases with the Illinois Department of Human Services and other offices to ensure they are being processed as needed
Provide follow up on closed cases even though proper documentation was submitted
Other duties include regular attendance at staff meetings and required trainings, following a team centered approach
Other duties as assigned by the CEO or CAO
Minimum requirements

Associate’s degree in Human Services or related field and/or at least 2 years related experience
Expertise with various crisis intervention techniques
Obtain 40 hour Domestic Violence training
Knowledge of Illinois public benefits and DCFS a plus
Must be Bilingual
Experience working with minority populations
Possess good written and verbal communication skills
Ability to communicate well with others and further the mission of the YWCA
Obtain and document a minimum of fifteen (15) hours of professional development annually
Basic computer skills
Ability to lift 30 pounds
Current Illinois driver’s license and valid vehicle insurance