Social Services Navigator

Social Services Navigator

IRC seeks a bilingual Social Service Navigator to join the Children's Legal Services team in Dallas to provide referrals and support to unaccompanied minors released to sponsors in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and young adults who age out of federal foster care custody. The Social Service Navigator will identify service needs and facilitate access to appropriate community services for assistance in education, housing, mental health, medical, benefits, and any other additional support related to their legal case. Additionally, the Social Service Navigator will establish relationships with local and state social service partners. This position supports a team of attorneys and other legal program staff who provide direct legal services to assist children in immigration proceedings.

This position requires an individual who is patient, passionate about children, and prepared to work with vulnerable children of all ages and their sponsors. The Social Service Navigator will have stellar interpersonal and trauma-informed listening skills, be highly organized, have excellent attention to detail, and be able to work both in a collaborative team environment and independently on assignments. The Social Service Navigator will report to the Managing Attorney.

Major Responsibilities:

• Assist clients with accessing resources in the community and coordinate with other IRC program staff, and community partners to provide appropriate wrap-around services;
• Develop and foster partnerships with community organizations focused on housing, education, employment and special services for children and young adults;
• Assist in referring eligible clients to enroll in federal and state medical and financial benefit programs and attend appointment with clients when necessary;
• Communicate with clients to provide case status updates, request documents and other information, schedule appointments, and manage other communication as needed;
• On occasion, assist on legal cases when needed;
• Prepare referral packages for children who move out of the local jurisdiction;
• Maintain complete and organized case files of client records and documents;
• Ensure data is inputted timely and accurately to comply with internal and external program requirements;
• Case note and document all appropriate clients' contacts and activities as directed;
• Participate in all program meetings and staff development activities;
• Comply with all IRC policies and protocols; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• An undergraduate degree or equivalent work experience in the social work or legal field;
• Fluency in both Spanish and English required;
• Experience in a legal setting highly desirable, but not required;
• Experience with working with children or individuals afflicted with trauma highly desirable;
• Excellent attention to detail, ability to multi-task, and comfort working in a fast-paced environment;
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, solve problems and exercise sound judgement;
• Evidence of capacity to be a strong team member in a highly collaborative social service environment;
• Deep commitment to working with immigrants, children, asylum seekers;
• Trauma-informed and sensitive listening and communication skills;
• Personal integrity in handling ethically complex and confidential situations;
• Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning; and
• Strong computer literacy, research, and analysis skills.

Working Environment:

• Standard office environment with occasional participation in community outreach and legal assistance events; hybrid, flexible work options available.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
• Local travel throughout the service area required.