Refugee Program Community Navigator Specialist

POSITION TITLE:  Refugee Program Specialist: Community Navigator (Mankato) - 1 FTE, Regular, non-exempt

PURPOSE OF POSITION: To provide and coordinate services to refugees and New Americans which promote family stabilization, self-sufficiency and goal attainment in compliance with MCCRS programs and contracts.

·        Conduct intake assessments to determine client eligibility for program(s)

·        Encourage early self-sufficiency and independence of all program participants

·        Develop plans with program participants empowering them to reach agreed upon goals and meet program guidelines

o  Assist clients to develop skills to reach defined personal and program goals

o  Provide direct assistance to clients based on program goals, client goal plans, and position work plan

o  Provide follow up services to ensure program goals and client needs are met

o  Make appropriate and meaningful referrals to meet client needs, as appropriate

o  Explain application procedures to individuals and/or assist participants to complete forms

o  Provide family coaching services to youth and young adults, toward improved academic performance and school participation.

·        Meet outcome goals defined in contract(s), including:

o  Community navigation and case management: connecting families to community resources and helping clients overcome barriers

o  Immigration application support: application support to MCC immigration service providers

o  Employment placement: assisting in placing clients in employment

o  Education: educate families about community and health issues

o  Maintain outcomes reporting in DHS database for contract services

·        Coordinate and facilitate Tapestry program with partners, including:

o  Coordinating interpreters, transportation and childcare support for participants

o  Facilitating group discussions among diverse participants

o  Plan workshop sessions to promote mutual learning and social connections.

·        Work closely Blue Earth and Nicollet County Social Service workers, local landlords, Adult Basic Education and other non-profits to refer and support new American clients

·        Work closely with colleagues in MCC Mankato, MCC Metro and regional partners to ensure that refugees are integrated into the broader array of services available in the organization

·        Promote MCC Refugee Services Programs to potential clients and recruit clients to meet enrollment goals

·        Provide translation and interpreting support for other Refugee Services projects, as needed

·        Maintain positive relationships with community partners

·        Submit regular reports to track client outcomes, fulfill reporting requirements, and capture client success stories

·        Document all contacts and services in case files, as appropriate

·        Oversee volunteer activities, as appropriate

·        Assist in emergencies as they arise

·        Other duties as assigned

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

·        Experience working with refugees or New Americans

·        Knowledge of local refugee and immigrant populations, the resources available to them, and the state and federal policies that impact them

·        Demonstrated understanding of American culture and ability to interpret cultural differences

·        Commitment to early self-sufficiency of refugees

·        Strong motivational and teaching skills

·        Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries

·        Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed records and submit accurate reports in a timely manner

·        Strong English language communication skills, both oral and written

·        Demonstrated strong communication, negotiation, and mediation skills

·        Proven ability to work in crisis situations

·        Prefer case management experience focusing on attainment of outcomes in areas of housing, employment, education, family stabilization, or immigration

·        Proven capacity to work in fast-paced multi-faceted service environment

·        Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team

·        Bilingual proficiency in Somali required

·        Bachelor’s degree preferred

·        Experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook preferred. Proven ability to use basic office equipment including copier and fax machines

·        Driver’s license and access to reliable transpiration required

Normal office conditions. This position works out of MCC’s Mankato office (501 Second Street). Job duties are performed primarily during the weekday business hours, with occasional weekend or evening hours.

COMPENSATION: This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position. Benefits include vacation, sick leave, holiday pay, and pro-rated medical insurance based on MCC’s personnel policies.

The Minnesota Council of Churches is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer