Refugee Resettlement Reception & Placement Specialist - Catholic Charities - Portland, OR

Catholic Charities: Refugee Resettlement
Reception & Placement Specialist
Full-time (40 hours/week)
Reports to: Senior Reception & Placement Specialist/Program Coordinator

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Refugee Resettlement Program is the first point of contact for newly arrived refugees. This position provides case management to refugees under the guidelines of the Department of State Cooperative Agreement and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops/Migration with the primary goal to assist refugees to attain self-sufficiency in their new community. The Resettlement Team provides support, guidance and orientation throughout resettlement. Services include securing housing, addressing medical concerns, developing life skills, linking refugees to English language classes and job placement services along with integration and support from the larger community. The current case load primarily consists of refugees from Iraq, Burma, Afghanistan and Somalia along with other East African countries.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain case management services in a manner consistent with Catholic Charities Board Policies and Code of Ethics.


• Provide high level case management and core services support and coordination to newly arriving refugees to include: Pre-arrival services such as securing safe and affordable housing; post arrival services such as meeting refugees at Portland Airport, culturally specific foods and 24 hour home visit; ongoing basic needs support such as essential furnishings, clothing, public transportation orientation, medical referral, community orientation, cultural orientation, home visits, obtaining a social security card, school enrollment, and other needs, particularly relating to special medical health requirements.


• Interviews clients through comprehensive intake and assessments. Case Specialist assesses to determine the barriers to employment and to discover the clients’ job skills, as well as other case management needs such as personal and family adjustment, finances, food, clothing, housing, and health.


• Maintain and provide contracted services to a caseload up to 75 clients to include: proper case notes, reports, and other record keeping procedures, as required by United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB)/Migration & Refugee Services (MRS), the State of Oregon, and the Catholic Charities Service Delivery Procedures Manual.


• Prepare case files upon arrival notice and arrange referrals on the date of the R&P intake, based on contractual obligations; Coordinate appointment scheduling and transportation assistance according to R&P Specialist availability; Coordinate rent vouchers and rent payments in accordance with fiscal deadlines.


• Work closely with, and maintain strong working relationships with, Catholic Charities volunteers, community members, landlords and others in an effort to secure long-term wrap around support for newly arriving refugees.


• Refer clients to additional community services and support including medical, housing, mental health, disability, etc.as needed.


• Provide wrap around services to address the growing needs of newly arrived refugees through collaboration with Refugee Case Services Project (RCSP) Specialists, volunteers, and other community partners.


• Provide support and assistance to other Resettlement and Social Service staff.


• Adherence to Catholic Charities policies and procedures.


• Perform other duties as assigned by Catholic Charities supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, social science or related human service discipline preferred.


• Bilingual abilities are a plus (in the following languages: Arabic, Burmese, Somali, Farsi.


• Multicultural/multilingual work or experience, preferably with refugee populations.


• Ability to work with and assess the needs of different ethnic groups.


• Experience working with interpreters.


• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources.


• Ability to communicate concisely and effectively, both verbally and in writing.


• Must have a strong customer service orientation.


• Commitment to Catholic Charities mission to work in partnership with vulnerable populations to achieve lasting solutions to poverty and injustice.


• Demonstrate judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential matters.


• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office programs (including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint).


• Must be able to organize and prioritize work, be proactive, take initiative, resolve problems, follow through, and simultaneously manage multiple priorities to ensure goals are met in a timely manner.


• Strong analytical and strategic problem solving skills.


• Ability to work well in team setting, as well as independently; be flexible and adapt well to different dynamics.


• Ability to take initiative and prioritize tasks; good time management, problem prevention, and problem solving skills.


• Must have driver’s license, access to vehicle and ability to obtain automobile insurance at levels required by agency (100/300/100).


• Ability to lift 40 pounds.


• Successful completion of civil, criminal and/or motor vehicle background checks.


• Ability to support organizational and program specific mission and goals.

COMPENSATION: Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience. Competitive benefits package, including: 100% employer paid health insurance (employee portion), disability, life insurance, paid time off, 12 paid holidays, retirement plan, free parking and more.

TO APPLY: Please complete the Catholic Charities application form (available online at www.catholiccharitiesoregon.org), and submit, along with cover letter and resume, to: Catholic Charities, Attn: Human Resources, 2740 SE Powell Blvd, Portland, OR 97202.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Job Type: Full-time

Required experience:

Required license or certification:

Required education:

Required language:

• Arabic, Burmese, Somali or Farsi