Refugee Program Specialist: Volunteer And Outreach

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) Refugee Services welcomes refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees and other new Americans into new lives of freedom, hope and opportunity in Minnesota. Based in Minneapolis and Mankato, MCC Refugee Services has resettled those with refugee status in Minnesota since 1984. Through services providing resettlement, case management, employment, education and immigration legal services, MCC’s multi-cultural, multi-lingual and inclusive staff works to ensure our newest neighbors are “abundantly supported as they move from addressing basic needs to achieving their dreams.”

The Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) is a statewide council with 27 member denominations from Historical Black, Native American, Mainline Protestant, Pentecostal, and Orthodox communions. The Council’s program areas include refugee resettlement and services, strengthening interfaith relationships, and racial justice. The broader mission of MCC is to build unity through justice for the common good. The staff at MCC reflects the broad diversity of Minnesota.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

MCC Refugee Services is seeking a dynamic and resourceful individual to engage and coordinate volunteers, churches, and community groups to serve refugees; to perform outreach to build resources and create a welcoming and inclusive community; and to participate in coordination of services and resources for clients. In collaboration with MCC staff, volunteers, churches and community partners, the Volunteer and Outreach Specialist will also provide services to refugees and asylees which will help them achieve self-sufficiency and attain their goals.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

In coordination with the MCC Refugee Services outreach team, Director of Refugee Services, and program managers, the Volunteer and Outreach Specialist will:

• Facilitate volunteer recruitment, placement, supervision, and support
• Facilitate outreach and engagement activities to individuals, groups, and congregations
• Train and support congregations and community groups to assist, befriend, and support newly arriving families as they build self-sufficiency through our church co-sponsorship model
• Participate in Refugee Services communications work, including writing and preparing content for social media posts, email newsletter, website and blog content, and print communication efforts, in collaboration with Refugee Services Director
• Develop, manage, and track in-kind material donations and financial support for clients and programs
• Participate in agency and community advocacy in support of refugee resettlement and our community’s welcome of refugees
• Participate in and strategize outreach efforts to landlords, clinics, organizations, and other community services
• Attend community meetings, events, professional groups, and speaking engagements to educate the community about refugees and recruit supporters
• Provide ongoing cultural orientation and cross-cultural community support to volunteers and program participants
• Maintain positive relationships with community partners relevant to program activities
• Participate in community and statewide workgroups to promote community engagement and refugee integration
• Partner in interfaith and ecumenical efforts across MCC

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITES, as a member of the Refugee Services Team:

Collaborate with Refugee Services team members to meet outcome goals defined in program contracts, including:

• Encourage early self-sufficiency and independence of all program participants;
• Promote MCC Refugee Services Programs and recruit participants to meet enrollment goals;
• Connect program participants and community members to available programs and resources;
• Provide translation and interpretation support for other Refugee Services projects, as needed;
• Document all contacts and services in case files, as appropriate;
• Assist in emergencies as they arise;
• Other duties as assigned.

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong desire and ability to build resources and engage community to build a welcoming community for refugees and immigrants
• Professional demeanor with ability to effectively engage groups and build positive community relationships
• Experience working with refugees or recent immigrants
• 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 presentation 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 capacity to work in fast paced social service environment
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
• Bilingual proficiency in a relevant language valued but not required
• Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred
• Experience with Microsoft Office and social media required. Website maintenance knowledge preferred
• Proven ability to use basic office equipment including copiers, postage machines, and fax machines
• Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation required
• Flexibility to work varied weekday, weekend and evening hours

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS

Normal office conditions. This position works out of MCC’s office at 122 West Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis. Job duties are performed during varied weekday, weekend and evening hours.

Compensation: Starting range: $21-22/hour. This is a non-exempt, 40-hour/week position. Benefits include medical insurance, dental, life, retirement, sick leave, vacation, and holiday benefits as provided by MCC human resources policy.

Application Requirements: Successful applicants will need to submit a resume, cover letter, and completed MCC employment application (which can be found here: https://mnchurches.org/employment).