Refugee School Impact (RSI) Family Engagement Specialist

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

Reporting to the Refugee School Impact (RSI) Coordinator, the RSI Family Engagement Specialist provides families with ongoing culturally appropriate resources they can use to stay informed and well-equipped. The Family Engagement Specialist provides parental support through home visits, group orientations and parenting education. Furthermore, Family Engagement Specialist also assist students and families with long term integration and self-sufficiency through building interconnectedness with the school and larger community.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:

• medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment,
• professional development, tuition reimbursement,
• generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays,
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave,
• company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately,
• Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption/foster care assistance, and
• an annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment!

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

DUTIES

• Perform the day-to-day operations of the RSI program to meet contract goals and objectives.
• Serve as the primary liaison between schools, refugee families, and community organizations.
• Conduct home visits for screenings, enrollment, and needs assessments.
• Prepare and deliver cultural orientation, parenting education, and other support activities to RSI families, focusing on topics such as the U.S. education system, cultural differences, and effective parenting strategies.
• Help ensure refugee families understand and actively participate in parent-teacher conferences and other school-related activities.
• Collaborate with school staff and advocates to ensure the needs of families and students are met.
• Provide direct client assistance by providing tailored support services to meet individual family needs.
• Collect data and generate timely reports to track program outcomes and progress.
• Support clients with program outreach work (e.g., providing program information to community partners to facilitate referrals into program).
• Provide referrals to community services and resources such as parenting skills programs, healthcare and dental clinics, family planning, low-income housing, nutrition services, rental and energy assistance, and childcare as needed.
• Maintain accurate, confidential records for each client and ensure proper documentation of services.
• Coordinate services and activities with Global Refuge RSI team to ensure families receive necessary and timely support.
• Follow-up on referrals in a timely manner.
• Attend all required meetings, workgroups, and trainings, including program orientations and database training to effectively utilize program management tools.
• Maintain appropriate boundaries when working with parents and families.
• Support with joint development and hosting of youth and family activities across Global Refuge RSI programming.
• Maintain program information and data collection systems in compliance with Global Refuge standards and contractual obligations.
• Participate in performance-related goal setting and achievement to meet personal and organizational objectives and goals.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or behavioral/human services field or two years of experience providing case management and/or social services preferred.
• Experience working with refugees, immigrants, or limited English speakers, is highly preferred.
• Fluency in one of the key languages used by client populations is preferred (includes but is not limited to: Spanish, Arabic, Dari, French, Swahili).
• Proficient in the use of MS Word, MS Excel, and database programs.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot, and follow projects through with attention to detail.
• Ability to work as a team member and independently, with a high level of self-motivation.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, including keen listening ability and relationship building.
• Must have a valid driver's license, reliable personal transportation, a clean driving record, and valid insurance and be able to travel locally as required.
• Cross-cultural or international experience preferred.
• Deep commitment to Global Refuge's core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.
• Must be willing and able to work in-office 5 days per week.

Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities. Global Refuge has been welcoming newcomers since 1939. Learn more at globalrefuge.org.