Casework Assistant

Reports to:Regional Field Team SupervisorsStarting Salary:KES 50,000 (gross / month)RSC Africa The Resettlement Support Center (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. 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. RSC Africa is administered by the Church World Service Immigration Refugee Program (CWS/IRP) and is based in Nairobi, Kenya.Benefits CWS Global and RSC Africa offer a total compensation package. The total compensation package includes life insurance, comprehensive health insurance, dental coverage, vision coverage, RSC Africa offers 10% retirement contribution with a 5% employee match, 22 vacation days a year, 30 sick days per year at full pay and 15 days sick a year at half pay, compassionate leave, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).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.Please note 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.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.Please note RSC Africa uses e-mail for all recruitment contacts. Please be sure to check your e-mail regularly.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 primarily responsible for assisting eligible refugee applicants prepare the best possible case file for an interview with an Officer of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for final adjudication.Supervision This position reports to the Regional Field Team Supervisor.Applies established Resettlement Support Centre (RSC), Church World Service (CWS), Department of State (DOS), USCIS and Refugee Processing Centre (RPC) policies and procedures in order to determine refugee eligibility criteria and establish a refugee claim.Travels throughout Kenya and/or Sub-Saharan Africa as assigned to conduct resettlement interviews with refugee applicants in a dignified and professional manner.Analyzes, evaluates, and accesses the eligibility of refugee applicants for final adjudication by USCIS officers.Establishes 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.Determines case composition and ensures all refugee cases are cross-referenced according to established standard operating procedures.Conducts personal interviews with refugee applicants to complete AOR screening/case history/persecution claims.Completes and updates all case files all database records.Conducts file reviews in accordance with RSC and USCIS guidelines, paying close attention to detail.Assists in various administrative tasks including but not limited to: research, locating files, data entry, and case analysis.Analyzes complex cases in consultation with Supervisors in accordance with established policies and procedures, while remaining open to supervisory direction.Contributes to the development of Field Team training procedures and their implementation.Contributes to the development and updating of standard operating procedures for the Field Team in coordination with Regional Field Team Supervisors, Pre-Screening Manager and Field Team Coordinator.Performs additional duties and special assignments as needed to facilitate the efficient processing and operation of the United States Refugee Admissions Program in Sub-Saharan Africa.Qualifications Education:Bachelor’s degree in a related field of study, or 4 years of related work experience in lieu of a Bachelor’s degree is required.Experience:Casework or previous resettlement experience is preferred.Second language an advantage; French, Amharic, Kinyarwanda or Arabic preferred.Demonstrated computer skills, especially Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook.Strong organizational and time management skills.Strong verbal and written English language skills.A thorough understanding of current refugee country conditions is required to maintain a high performance standard.Abilities: The Casework Assistant must have the ability to:travel extensively throughout the regions, sometimes on short notice and under difficult conditions;accurately type 40 w.p.m at 96% accuracycommunicate 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 motivationeffectively manage RSC Africa’s resources;actively participate in the implementation of the U.S. Government Refugee Admissions Program.Physical: This position requires bending, squatting, 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, marked changes in temperature and/or humidity, dust and infectious diseases, harsh weather climates, long work hours, bumpy roads, extended travel, excessive sun exposure, and non-ventilated spaces.Special Requirements A Certificate of Good Conduct is required before the start of employment. A valid passport and the ability to maintain a valid 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.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; sharing information 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 work of 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 collecting facts; 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 they are 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 to resolve 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.Please click the below link to apply directly online to this position.This position is open to national applicants.Please note 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.