Employment Program Officer - Church World Service

About CWS:

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home. 

Purpose:

The Employment Program Officer directs and oversees the satisfactory implementation of programs intended to foster refugees’ and other eligible immigrants’ integration in the Houston community. More specifically, this position coordinates the Employment Program. This position ensures coordination among the different components of integration programs and with community partners, ensures compliance with program requirements as established by program funders, and identifies and pursues new funding opportunities to grow the portfolio of CWS available integration services.

Responsibilities:

Program Management Duties:

• Coordinates the implementation of Employment Program
• Provides guidance and monitors compliance with program guidelines under Extended Services Programs and Employment Programs
• Conducts random sample reviews of client case notes and case files to ensure quality and timeliness of service provision and fulfillment of documentation requirements.
• Prepares for and participates in on-site monitoring visits with the Program Manager of Integration Programs 
• Addresses emergency situations as they arise and mediates conflict as necessary
• Completes required funder reports, coordinating with team members to ensure proper tracking and reporting of activities
• Attends trainings and conferences as needed.
• Develops and nurtures relationships with refugee service providers and other community partners at the local level to increase integration opportunities for refugees, presenting the program to employers, local school districts, state health clinics, state refugee coordinator’s office, medical providers, and other relevant service providers
• Provides technical assistance and cultural sensitivity training to internal and community providers to build their capacity to serve unique populations

Supervisory Duties:

• Coordinates and oversees the work of staff in the Employment Program
• Leads the CWS Houston Employment team in conducting all duties in a culturally/linguistically/gender-sensitive manner and in respect of DEI norms of conduct as established by CWS
• Provides program staff with ongoing coaching, mentoring, training, feedback and guidance to improve performance, and completes annual performance evaluations
• Promotes teamwork across program areas, by improving communication, fostering collaboration on overlapping tasks, and optimizing results across areas in a synergistic way
• Manages the workload of team staff, and delegates responsibilities
• Works with CWS Houston Program Manager of Integration Programs to provide ongoing training to staff on program updates and service requirements
• Communicates regularly with the Program Manager of Integration Programs on matters pertaining to the integration services
• Assists the Site Director, Associate Directors, and Program Manager in general community outreach, with an emphasis on establishing new community partnerships and resource development.
• Fosters a workplace culture that radiates positivity and enthusiasm, inspiring team members through an approachable and optimistic demeanor.
• Demonstrates a genuine commitment to the well-being of staff, proactively seeking opportunities to support and assist team members in their professional growth and job satisfaction.

Common Duties:

• Keeps informed about refugee and immigrant issues, using current information to better serve refugees, immigrants and co-sponsors
• Advocates on behalf of co-sponsors, refugees, and refugee-serving voluntary agencies
• Attends local and national training conferences as instructed by the Site Director
• Raises awareness about immigration and refugee issues and increases CWS Houston’s visibility in the community through speaking engagements
• Assists Site Director in any duties he/she deems necessary. Undertake other duties as assigned
• Work varied hours including some night and weekend work

Qualifications:

Education:Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree and at least 5 years' experience in refugee services or related field are required. At least 2 years of experience supervising others is required. Knowledge of refugee language is preferred. 

 

Experience: The ideal candidate will have previous experience in the field of direct services working with immigrant and refugee communities. They will have a demonstrated commitment to excellence with a track record that includes close attention to detail, strong project coordination and problem-solving skills, strong communication skills including in-person networking, and writing skills and a high degree of cultural competency. Must have valid driver’s license and clean driving record. Must be comfortable with public speaking and representing CWS programs in meetings and facilitating trainings.

 

Other Skills: Superior written and verbal communication skills are required. The successful candidate must be highly computer literate, with proficiency in Microsoft Excel as well as basic MS Office functionality and high capacity in internet-based research.

Benefits :CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:    - 403 (b) Retirement Plan                                               - Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance                                                  - Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days Off after 2 Years)  - 14 Official Holidays  - 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)                                      - Life Insurance and AD&D                                             - Long Term and Short-Term Disability                                                  - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)                                                 - Health Savings Account                                               - Flexible Spending Accounts      - Commuter Benefits