It is important when working with a refugee that the Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) case manager recognizes and respects cultural diversity as it relates to employment and other requirements of the MWA program. The resettlement agency may be able to assist the case manager and the refugee regarding these sociological differences.
When a refugee is working with a resettlement agency, if agreed to locally, the resettlement agency serves as the primary service provider for the refugee. The MWA case manager remains the primary case manager, providing direction to the resettlement agency regarding the requirements of the MWA program and the refugee’s responsibility to meet those requirements. It is the MWA case manager’s responsibility to determine if services provided by the refugee resettlement agency meet MWA work requirements and ensure that this information is entered into the MWA System for reporting purposes.
Do not duplicate services or efforts of the resettlement agency. Allow that agency to take the lead in discovering needs, developing a plan and providing services that benefit the refugee, and move him/her along the path to self-sufficiency. Maintain close contact with the resettlement agency regarding the recipient’s progress and activities. Accept the documentation of the refugee service provider, and do not require the recipient to also meet with the MWA case manager. If services provided by the resettlement agency do not fall within MWA allowable activities, it is the MWA case manager’s responsibility to work with the recipient to offer appropriate activities through other means.