Client Advocate (Spanish Speaking)

International Rescue Committee - Sacramento, CA

Full-time - Entry Level

Sacramento, CA

Social Assistance

About the position

The Client Advocate (Spanish Speaking) at the International Rescue Committee (IRC) plays a crucial role in providing trauma-informed case management and care coordination for refugee and immigrant survivors of crime. This position is part of Sacramento's Safety & Wellness Program, which aims to assist survivors in overcoming barriers and rebuilding their lives after victimization. The advocate will also implement educational programming to promote safety and security within refugee communities.

Responsibilities

• Provide case management and trauma-informed services to survivors of Torture including individualized service plans, care coordination, and referrals to supportive services.
• Serve as a point person for staff and clients in navigating the social and community services for survivors of torture.
• Support clients in navigating moments of crisis, including safety planning and coordination with emergency services.
• Coordinate educational activities for the Survivor Services team including cultural orientation, safety and crime prevention workshops, and community engagement events.
• Implement outreach activities to promote awareness of victims' rights, resources, and the Survivor Services program within the greater Sacramento immigrant community.
• Provide comprehensive language access to clients through bi-lingual and culturally congruent services.
• Promote safe spaces for disclosure and conversations regarding trauma and experiences of victimization, including gender-based violence and women's rights.
• Assist in overall client wellness activities within the Sacramento office.
• Ensure accurate case notes and tracking of screenings, services, referrals, and outcomes.
• Refer clients to the appropriate service providers and resources as needed.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with referral organizations to ensure survivors have access to culturally and linguistically appropriate services including safe housing, mental and physical health services, legal services, and employment and educational services.
• Oversee volunteers and interns involved, assigned to the projects.
• Assist in completion of objectives and reporting for relevant grants.
• Participate in relevant program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a team member.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or an equivalent field of study preferred; equivalent work experience may be substituted.
• 4+ years of professional experience providing services to survivors required. Case management or experience serving refugee populations preferred.
• Thorough knowledge and comfort supporting others in crisis situations required. Previous multi-cultural experience and proven ability to communicate well with people of varied backgrounds strongly preferred.
• Fluency in written and spoken English; and spoken Spanish; fluency in additional languages relevant to current refugee populations (Dari, Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Ukrainian, Russian, etc.) preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to make presentations required.
• Strong command of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and prior experience in data tracking and reporting required.
• Attention to detail and ability to organize and track large amounts of information efficiently and accurately.
• Commitment to teamwork and collaboration across all of IRC's programs.
• Highly motivated with an ability to work independently, develop new classes and programming, and be a self-starter, maintaining responsibility for multiple tasks.

Nice-to-haves

• Fluency in additional languages relevant to current refugee populations (Dari, Arabic, Farsi, Pashto, Ukrainian, Russian, etc.) preferred.

Benefits

• 10 sick days
• 10 US holidays
• 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
• Medical insurance starting at $143 per month
• Dental starting at $6.50 per month
• Vision starting at $5 per month
• FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
• 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
• Disability & life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program available to staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.