Organization: International Rescue Committee (IRC) Role: Caseworker / Resettlement Specialist Department: Reception and Placement (R&P) Location: Nationwide (e.g., Atlanta, Seattle, Boise, Phoenix, Missoula) Salary: Approx. $23.00 – $29.00/hr (Location Dependent) + Full Benefits Contract: Full-Time (Regular) Closing Date: Rolling Recruitment for 2026
Imagine landing in a country where you don’t speak the language, don’t understand the currency, and don’t know how to turn on the heat in your apartment. Now imagine you have just fled a war zone.
Who helps you navigate those first terrifying, exhilarating days? An IRC Caseworker.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking resilient, compassionate, and organized Caseworkers to join our US Resettlement network. You will be the “First Responder” of integration, guiding refugee families through their critical first 90 days in the United States.
If you are a problem-solver who can navigate bureaucratic systems while providing trauma-informed emotional support, this is the most meaningful job you will ever have.
Table of Contents
Role Overview
As a Caseworker, you are the primary point of contact for newly arrived refugees. Your goal is Self-Sufficiency. You are not just doing things for clients; you are teaching them how to do things for themselves.
You will manage a heavy caseload, often juggling 15–25 active cases (families) at once. The work is fast-paced, sometimes chaotic, and deeply rewarding.
Key Responsibilities
1. Pre-Arrival & Reception
- Housing Setup: Secure affordable housing before the family arrives. This involves negotiating with landlords and setting up utilities.
- Airport Pickup: Welcome the family at the airport (often late at night), provide a hot culturally appropriate meal, and transport them to their new home.
- Home Safety: Conduct a safety orientation (how to use the stove, smoke detectors, calling 911).
2. The “First 30 Days” Hustle
- Benefits Enrollment: Transport clients to the Social Security Administration and Department of Human Services to apply for Social Security cards, Food Stamps (SNAP), and Medicaid.
- Health Screenings: Coordinate mandatory initial refugee health screenings and immunizations.
- School Registration: Ensure children are enrolled in school within 30 days of arrival.
3. Orientation & Empowerment
- Conduct “Cultural Orientation” sessions covering US laws, banking, public transportation, and hygiene.
- Teach clients how to pay rent and utility bills online or via money order.
- Connect clients to other IRC departments (Employment, English Classes, Immigration Legal Services).
4. Documentation
- Maintain strict compliance with US Department of State guidelines. Every service provided (e.g., “Client taken to bank”) must be documented in case notes within 24 hours.
Help Refugees Restart: IRC Caseworker & Social Support Role
Qualifications
This role requires a mix of social work empathy and logistical grit.
Education
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, International Relations, or related field (or equivalent work experience).
Experience
- Minimum 1-2 years of experience in case management, social services, or community organizing.
- Experience navigating social safety net systems (Medicaid, SNAP, TANF) is a massive advantage.
- Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is highly valued.
Skills & Requirements
- Driver’s License: Mandatory. You must have a valid license, insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle. You will be driving clients to appointments daily.
- Languages: Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, or Ukrainian will prioritize your application.
- Resilience: Ability to set professional boundaries and manage “Vicarious Trauma.”
Why Work for the IRC?
1. Frontline Impact You are witnessing history. You are the person who hands a family the keys to their first safe home in years. The bond you form with clients often lasts a lifetime.
2. Professional Growth The IRC is a massive global organization. Successful caseworkers often move up to become Senior Caseworkers, Program Managers, or transfer to international roles in humanitarian response.
3. Comprehensive Benefits
- Health: Top-tier medical, dental, and vision insurance.
- Mental Health: Access to Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) for counseling support.
- Time Off: Generous vacation policy to prevent burnout.
How to Apply
- Visit: Go to rescue.org/careers.
- Search: Use keywords “Caseworker,” “Resettlement,” or “R&P.”
- Location: Filter by your city. (IRC has 25+ offices across the US).
- Cover Letter: Share a story about a time you solved a complex logistical problem under pressure.
Pro Tip: In your interview, do not just talk about “wanting to help.” Talk about your organizational skills. Casework is 40% helping people and 60% paperwork/logistics. Proving you can handle the paperwork is how you get the job.
Suggested Focus Keywords
Refugee Caseworker Jobs, IRC Careers 2026, Social Work Jobs with Refugees, Resettlement Case Manager, Non-Profit Humanitarian Jobs US, Human Services Careers
