OSITION SUMMARY:
HIAS is embarking upon providing virtual resettlement services to clients in the Virtual Reception and Placement (VR&P) Program funded by the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM). This new program is intended to be an alternative, “lighter touch” pathway for higher-resourced, lower-risk cases than traditional on-site resettlement. In the virtual setting, caseworkers assist from afar, communicating through various channels, to assist as needed to position new arrivals for the same ultimate goal—successful integration in the community and early self-sufficiency.
It is anticipated that new arrivals, with support from U.S. ties and virtual caseworkers, will receive core services, including public benefits, healthcare, social services, public education, and employment assistance, while having access to stable housing from the U.S ties.
HIAS seeks a Referral Resource Coordinator, Virtual Resettlement to work with the virtual resettlement team to identify resources that will support refugees with integration and attaining early self-sufficiency. The Referral Resource Coordinator, Virtual Resettlement will be responsible for researching and providing information to the VR&P case management team on resources and benefits in the states where HIAS is providing virtual resettlement services. This includes identifying specific contact information for how to access required core services including public benefits, school enrollment, healthcare, ESL classes, social security cards, public transportation, employment services and other services for which they qualify. The new hire would have access to HIAS’ existing library of resources, much of which will be adaptable for the VR&P program.
Note, this is a temporary position that starts ASAP and ends December 31, 2024, with possible extension. The salary for this position is $57,500.00, and this position is contingent upon a pending funding agreement.
This position can be based at our headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland or our office in New York, New York, or it can be remote for applicants who live outside of commuting distance to either of our offices and are based in other states in which we are registered (Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin).
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Researches and develops list of specific contacts for core service provision and other social services clients may need; utilizes HIAS library of resources and adapts as appropriate.
- Thoroughly researches enrollment processes for public benefits, school, employment and any additional services in each service area in which arriving refugees reside to be able to help clients and U.S. Ties navigate these enrollments.
- Provides instruction and/or assistance in accessing resources/benefits if appropriate.
- Conducts outreach to community service providers where clients are located to identify new resources and connections.
- Assists with trouble-shooting and problem-solving when obstacles to accessing resources/benefits are encountered.
- Documents activities in a timely manner and in compliance with program requirements.
- Assists with monthly and quarterly reporting, as needed.
- Advocates on behalf of the clients throughout the broader community.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
- Undergraduate degree preferred.
- 2-3 years of relevant professional experience.
- Understanding of available community resources that impact and/or benefit the targeted client needs.
- Fluency in both English, Spanish, Dari and/or Pasto preferred.
- Knowledge of basic client management procedures for determining eligibility, assessing needs, identifying resources, making referrals, following-up and documenting client interactions, and proactively supporting client’s pursuit of goals.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to effectively communicate with individuals and groups.
- Excellent planning and organizational skills; ability to prioritize, manage time efficiently in a fast-paced work environment and remain flexible in an ever-changing landscape for refugee issues.
- Strong computer skills, including use of Microsoft Office Suite and databases.
- Ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and accountability while being a team player.
- Travel, to include travel to insecure operating environments, may be required.
ABOUT US:
Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.
HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.
VISION:
HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.
MISSION:
Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.
DIVERSITY:
HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.
Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We strongly encourage applicants of diverse identities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply even if you do not meet all required qualifications but have other qualifications relevant to the role that would make you a great fit for this role with HIAS!
SAFEGUARDING:
HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.