Integration Program Assistant - Church World Service
Harrisonburg, VA 22802
About the Job
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 Integration Program Assistant is responsible for helping newly arrived refugees and other ORR eligible populations access educational supports, cultural orientation, enhanced integration activities, and transportation in their new community. The Integration specialist mobilizes and manages volunteers to help support client’s integration needs and assists refugees in overcoming barriers to accessing those resources. The Integration Specialist works closely with both R&P, VSAP, MG and RSSEP team members to support client self-sufficiency goals.
• Collaborate with staff and volunteers to arrange and deliver Integration classes (ESL and Cultural Orientation) skills for newly arrived clients.
• Coordinate all logistics of individual and group classes included interpretation, staff /volunteer teachers, location, supplies, attendance and transportation.
• Work in partnership with the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit and assign volunteers to assist or teach English and other classes and to provide child care.
• Work closely with the adult education specialist in meeting clients’ immediate ESL needs and developing their service plan.
• Finding volunteer mentors when appropriate.
• Collaborate with volunteers to ensure all clients can learn how to take public transportation to classes and other important locations. Help clients overcome transportation barriers.
• Provide transportation to clients when necessary.
• Enter data in VNIS and IRIS and update/maintain VNIS, IRIS data.
• Track required data and maintain records and case notes about volunteer and client attendance in classes and activities.
• Collaborate with the MG team to document Match for integration volunteers.
• Teach small group ESL and cultural orientation classes when needed.
• Assist clients to access digital and virtual cultural orientation when appropriate.
• Assist RSS, MG, VRSAP & R&P team as needed.
• Advocate on behalf of refugees, and refugee-serving voluntary agencies.
• Keep informed about refugee and immigrant issues, and available services to clients, using current information to better identify and serve refugee clients.
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings and training sessions.
• Performs all duties in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
• Undertakes other duties as assigned.
• Works varied hours.
Education and Experience:
Associate's degree or equivalent work experience in lieu of degree
Minimum of 2 year’s previous experience in refugee or immigrant-related services, providing familiarity with U.S. refugee and/or immigration issues and terminology is preferred.
A background in case management, teaching, training or human service delivery is desirable. Competency working with computers and volunteers required.
Skills:
• English fluency required.
• Language fluency preferences/requirements in written and spoken refugee language that is spoken in the Harrisonburg community preferred.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.
• Able to communicate thoroughly and with self-confidence a broad range of information relating to program or department in English.
• Communicate detailed and/or technical information clearly, in writing and orally in English.
• Speak publicly with defined constituencies regarding specific assigned topics.
• Anticipate constituent needs and interests and take proactive steps to respond to them.
• Promote “transparency of information” by sharing relevant information with staff and other stakeholders.
• Ability to track detailed information required.
• Ability to set up internet, phones, and computers.
• Ability to work with and train volunteers.
Education & Certifications: High school education with some college experience preferred.
Special Requirements:
• This is an in-person position located in Harrisonburg, VA.
• The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office and internet applications.
• A valid driver’s license is also required, along with the ability to move furniture and donations. The candidate will be expected to transport clients in their own vehicle (mileage will be reimbursed) and must have a reliable working car for this purpose.
• The successful candidate must pass a background check.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs. of weight. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
• Must be willing to work evenings and weekends.
• This position is primarily in the office and community.
• During busy times other duties may be assigned.
