Refugee Navigator - Gap Services

Why you should apply
Every year, refugees arrive in Pittsburgh looking for a safe new start. Pittsburgh is a welcoming city but due to language barriers, low literacy, and cultural differences, the integration process for refugees can be lengthy and challenging. The Refugee Navigator will work closely with the Refugee and Immigrant Service team to help individuals and families overcome these obstacles as they successfully increase their capacity and build confidence to navigate systems on their own.
Position Summary:
The Refugee Navigator will work with a team of professionals who help refugees and immigrants who have been in Pittsburgh for over six months adjust and integrate into their communities. This includes addressing obstacles, obtaining necessary resources, and working alongside the family to achieve their goals through case management. The Refugee Navigator will ensure families have access to healthcare, benefits such as food stamps, education, and employment opportunities.
Benefits:

• Collaborative work environment and diverse staff
• 37.5 hours work week with flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
• Hybrid work model (part of the week in office, part remote)
• Sick Time = 12 days a year
• Vacation Time = starts at 2 weeks the first year and then increases with longevity up to 4 weeks total
• Additional paid time off for all employees = most federal holidays, 3-5 floating holidays (to be used at employee's discretion), and a number of Jewish holidays
• Comprehensive health insurance - medical, dental and vision
• Short and long term disability, life insurance and a 401k package for which JFCS contributes 4% of salary after the first year of service
• Annual longevity bonuses after the first year of service

Qualifications:
Experience providing services to refugees and immigrants in the United States or overseas is preferable. Creativity, innovation, curiosity, and patience are essential skills. Must have excellent English (spoken and written); top-level organizational and communication skills as well as the ability to work under strict deadlines. Comfortable making home visits to clients living throughout the region. Comfort with inputting information into data systems. Must work well as part of a team with case workers, employment specialists, interpreters, and others. Must be sensitive to cultural differences of clients and staff from diverse backgrounds; able to work flexible hours. Access to a vehicle is required. First-person experience as an immigrant is a plus. Bachelor's Degree a plus.
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct assessments and self-sufficiency plans to address needs and set concrete goals to address those needs.
• Help clients contact service providers, and help them gain confidence in accessing services independently to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Help clients renew benefits, apply for subsidized housing, schedule medical appointments, and provide additional bus training.
• Serve as an advocate for the clients to ensure their understanding of available resources.
• Facilitate home visits to provide education on the basis of complying with the landlord's requirements regarding the storage of food, garbage disposal, and basic maintenance.

• Ensure proper documentation of services in the Apricot database.
• Follow confidentiality and privacy guidelines to ensure the safety of enrolled clients.

• Maintain an attitude of enthusiasm, a strengths-based approach, and a highly collaborative relationship with all individuals involved in JFCS programming, clients as well as staff.

• Participate in ongoing training as professional staff development as well as general JFCS meetings, trainings, and activities.
• Support volunteers, mentors, and interns involved with the program, as appropriate.
• Other duties as assigned.

About JFCS Pittsburgh
In today's world, it is important that your life's work brings you value and purpose. By joining the team at JFCS, you will experience hands-on opportunities that directly help people in the Greater Pittsburgh region through life's changes and challenges. Proudly voted by JFCS employees as one of Pittsburgh's best places to work for +10 years, our care and commitment to our employees and our clients is our top priority. We are looking for new employees who share our commitment to providing critical, high quality services to the community.