Community Outreach Support Specialist

Requisition ID: req41496

Job Title: Community Outreach Support Specialist

Sector: Community Development

Employment Category: Regular

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: USD 25.00 - 30.00 Hourly

Location: Elizabeth (NJOR), NJ USA
Job Description

***THIS ROLE IS ELIGIBLE TO BE FULLY REMOTE***

IRC Background:The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has a presence in over 40 countries and 29 offices in the United States; the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

Job Overview:

The Community Outreach Support Specialist supports the successful integration of Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees (UHPs) and other refugee communities by leading programming that harnesses the power of welcoming communities.  They collaborate with the New Jersey Office for Refugees staff to determine needs, coordinate Community Outreach, build effective relationships, and connect clients with community-based resources. The position will organize community members to work with local sub -grantee partner agencies and collaboratively serve UHPs and other refugee communities. Activities include providing professional interpretation and translation services, coordinating and facilitating outreach initiatives, supporting clients with community navigation and resource connections as assigned, tracking information and data in software systems as requested, and participating in service coordination, trainings and assessments as requested. This position may also assist in other instances in which a client requires an interpreter, as determined in consultation with the Senior Partnership Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• In close collaboration with the Senior Partnership Manager, define and implement an effective local community engagement strategy to provide general support for IRC's mission and clients.
• Travel and meet with community organizations around New Jersey.
• Conduct outreach by following up on existing leads from individuals and community organizations.
• Create tools, fact sheets, presentations, and templates to support Community Outreach and response related to the UHP program.
• Work with the Senior Partnership Manager to develop, implement, and document a strategy to build upon and sustain client and community engagement capacity and practices.
• Expected engagement includes meeting with community members; soliciting opportunities to speak publicly about the NJOR and actively enlist community involvement; delivering presentations; and representing NJOR at local events.
• Serve as the primary point of contact at NJOR with local community members and groups.
• Provide accurate, impartial, and confidential interpretation to limited English proficiency individuals and service providers in a variety of settings, including clinics, hospitals, schools, community-based organizations, and government agencies. Services may be rendered in-person, via telephone, videoconference, or other virtual means.
• Track assignments and work hours within designated software.
• Participate in trainings and assessments.
• May support special projects and initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university preferred.
• 2-3 years of related professional experience.
• Prior volunteer or professional experience in community development or volunteer coordination strongly preferred.
• Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations strongly preferred.
• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Self-direction and initiative, when needed, to take the lead and to follow through to completion.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Cultural sensitivity; ability to build trust with clients, colleagues, and partners.
• Proficient in English, both spoken and written.
• Spoken proficiency in Ukrainian required; Russian proficiency highly desired.
• Written proficiency in Ukrainian and ability to translate documents highly desired.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Office).
• Reliable transportation to appointment locations.

Working Environment: 

This position is based in the NJOR office in Elizabeth, New Jersey, which currently operates in a hybrid model, combining work from home with regular in person meetings.  Standard work environment.  Expectation to regularly participate in in person meetings, outreach events, and meet face to face with community organizations throughout the state.

IRC Way: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability.  In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirement.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC's duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions.  All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity.  We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits.  In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days (depending on role and tenure), medical insurance starting at $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

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