Refugee Support Specialist

Inspiritus

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Job Summary

Refugee Support Specialist

Classification: Non-Exempt

Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range: $16.83-$18.27 hourly

Department: Refugee & Immigrant Services

Location: Birmingham

Reports to: Client Services Manager

Date: June 2022

JOB DESCRIPTION

Summary

Inspiritus Refugee & Immigrant Services (RIS) Department works to build welcoming communities for refugees and immigrants and accompanies newcomers on a path from surviving to thriving. Based in Birmingham, the Refugee Support Specialist will facilitate extended employment support services to refugees and other Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) eligible populations in Alabama to facilitate successful community integration and financial self-sufficiency. The Refugee Support Specialist will work with refugee job seekers to develop individualized service plans that address the barriers to employment, clearly identify client goals, and inform the helping relationship. He or she will cultivate relationships with employers and with employment-related community resources, including area businesses, private employment agencies, and the local or state Department of Labor. Appropriate documentation of job development and placement services is considered part of service provision. Pre- and post-placement services should be provided to both employers and clients. The Refugee Support Specialist will also be responsible for administering the Refugee Cash Assistance program in Alabama and assisting clients in accessing income support while they work towards full-time employment. Additional duties may include report writing, creating employment program materials, and developing job orientation curricula based on current trends.

Job Responsibilities

Essential Responsibilities / Accountabilities:

• Identifies and contacts appropriate employers who will provide quality employment opportunities at market rates in suitable work sites throughout the state
• Documents each employer contact and all employer information as directed by funder and program management staff
• Interviews clients and assesses their education, marketable job skills, career goals, and individual barriers to employment
• Orients groups of clients to the U.S. workplace and area job market
• Assists clients (or refers for assistance) with online job searches and applications
• Interacts with clients to ensure a suitable match between a client and a potential employer
• Assists in enrolling clients in the appropriate employment programs at Inspiritus provides employment orientation and ESL instruction as needed
• Interprets for clients as required or arranges for interpretation
• Administers Refugee Cash Assistance benefits monthly to eligible clients
• Contacts clients monthly to ensure continued eligibility for Refugee Cash Assistance
• Conducts appropriate post-employment follow-up to ensure job retention and continued employment for newly arrived clients and clients in the U.S. less than five years
• Writes comprehensive case notes to document activities on behalf of each client and enters each client’s employment data in the database(s)
• Documents all services provided to clients in appropriate database(s)
• Contacts employer and client after client placement to identify and help resolve any problems
• Contributes to maintaining each client’s file for his/her appropriate program
• Coordinates activities and with related Refugee Services programs to ensure the provision of high-quality services offered with efficiency and economy
• Provides backup services for other Employment staff and other Refugee Services staff as appropriate
• Performs the above duties at out-posted locations as assigned
• Evaluates and updates employment training materials as needed in conjunction with the supervisor
• Develops marketing and outreach materials for employers and clients in conjunction with supervisor and Resource Development Department
• Maintains personal and professional boundaries in the performance of the job
• Forges mutually respectful partnerships with clients, co-workers, and employers
• Participates in Inspiritus functions and public relations activities
• Participates in in-service training and conferences related to the programs
• Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures, and instructions
• Complies with the various federal, state, or local laws that apply to and regulate their job duties

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a social service or business field and a minimum of two years of previous direct work experience in employment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Experience working in a culturally diverse environment
• Ability to balance the needs of the client and the employer
• Conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change
• Ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the practitioner
• Excellent computer skills, accurate typing, and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Must own a personal multi-passenger vehicle, hold a valid Alabama Driver’s license, have a good driving record, and have appropriate personal auto insurance
• Must be able to communicate with all persons in a culturally competent manner
• Must be sensitive to the service populations’ cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

Desired Qualifications:

• Sales, recruiting, and/or non-profit job development experience preferred
• Familiarity with Alabama public services
• Knowledge of employment opportunities throughout the state
• Experience with human services programs
• Reads, writes, and speaks a relevant foreign language

Success Factors:

• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Proactive problem solver
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions
• Ability to respond positively to clients and employers
• Excellent follow-through with commitments
• Professional manner, speech, and dress
• Ability to work in a team environment with a diverse group of people

Working Conditions

While performing the responsibilities of this job, the employee travels by personal motor vehicle and is exposed to changing weather conditions. May perform job functions at out-posted locations as assigned.

Physical Demands

Regularly required to talk and hear in person and on the telephone. Required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls: and reach with hands and arms to operate computer and other office equipment. Required to operate a personal vehicle. Employee frequently lifts and or moves up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please go to https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=48549&clientkey=CB88133EB20DD5151828F4B95483B0B7

Details

• Date Posted: June 28, 2022
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Programs and Service Delivery
• Service Area: Social / Human Services
• Salary Range: $16.83-$18.27 hourly