Country: United States of America
Closing date: 31 Jul 2019
The IRC opened an office in Phoenix, Arizona in 1994 to provide reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees. The office resettles refugees and provides numerous program services to assist refugees from their arrival through citizenship.
Position Overview:
The Asylum Seeking Families (ASF) Shelter Specialist will provide direct care services and ensure the safety of the families at IRC’s day shelter. The ASF Shelter Specialist will act as an advocate, educator, coach and role model for the program participants and complete operational routines in the shelter. The ASF Shelter Specialist operates under supervision with moderate latitude for the use of independent judgment and initiative.
Major Responsibilities:
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
• Maintain a clean, safe, secure, and stable shelter for asylum-seeking families; provide meals, bedding, clothes and personal hygiene supplies as needed. Clean and organize shelter and maintain child-friendly spaces.
• Conduct participant intakes and assessments, coordinate travel arrangements, and complete referrals for participants in their destination locations.
• Provide individualized and group orientations and support clients through social service referrals, medical access and advocacy services by assessing and evaluating each client’s distinct needs.
• Coordinate and conduct ‘Know Your Rights’ and other informative orientations.
• Provide travel logistics including transportation of clients and in kind donations to and from bus stations, airports, shelters and other drop off points.
• Assist clients in navigating airport travel arrangements, including how to read arrival and departure boards, how to read their tickets, escorting clients through TSA security to their departure gate and assisting with flight boarding as necessary.
• Assist clients in navigating bus terminal travel arrangements, including how to read their tickets, bus transfers, arrival and departures and assisting with boarding as necessary.
• Ensure compliance with case documentation, case file management and reporting requirements; adhering to strict confidentiality guidelines.
• Support statewide efforts to support the needs of asylum seekers as requested and needed.
• Oversee volunteers and interns, including providing appropriate onboarding, training, and supervision.
• Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engages as a member of the team.
• Comply with all policies, procedures and protocols of the agency.
• Other related duties as assigned.
Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: Asylum-Seekers and Families Shelter Supervisor
Position directly supervises: Interns and volunteers involved with asylum seeker services
Other Internal and/or external contacts:
Internal: Work in tandem with other IRC Phoenix teams for resource development, donation requests, management and distribution.
External: Partner organizations and community entities also involved in asylum seeker services.
Qualifications
• High school diploma or equivalent and minimum of one year experience in case work, human services or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience. University degree preferred, ideally in a social work, immigration or international related field of study.
• At least one year demonstrated relevant work experience (in addition to the above) in human services field; preferably in a non-profit or social services agency environment. Shelter/residential experience preferred.
• Prior experience working with refugee populations or asylum seekers preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate with limited-English speakers in a multi-cultural environment. Fluency in spoken and written Spanish and English required.
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member, self- starter with excellent problem solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and strong keyboarding skills and internet usage and research skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license; active insurance policy; and access to reliable transportation.
• Ability and willingness to drive a 15 passenger van.
• Ability to work during non-traditional hours such as evenings, overnights, and weekends as needed.
Working Environment:
• Focus of work will be at the shelter in a nontraditional office setting.
• Reoccurring need to provide services outside of traditional work hours (early morning, evenings, nights and weekends).
• Ability to lift 35 lbs to 50 lbs to move furniture, household supplies, and boxes.
How to apply:
https://rescue.csod.com/ats/careersite/jobdetails.aspx?site=1&c=rescue&id=4579