Community Navigation Specialist

Job Overview:

Strengthening client voices in all aspects of our work and increasing accountability to clients is an IRC priority. The Community Navigation Specialist will play a key role in supporting client engagement and feedback initiatives at the local level. They will also be heavily involved in the IRC in Denver's co-sponsorship program, an initiative connecting newcomers to the local community, and in connecting clients to relevant resources.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Client feedback support & acceleration of client voices (40%):

• Support program staff on client satisfaction and feedback efforts, including but not limited to focus group discussions and surveys.
• Coordinate client collaboration and engagement initiatives, supporting the clients having greater and more sustained influence over decisions that impact their lives.
• Support office compliance with IRC client complaints and feedback policies.
  • Support program staff to develop feedback action plans, including Providing insight to clients and community members regarding how information was used and the outcome.
  • Present client engagement and feedback information to leadership at a regular cadence.
  • Support as needed with coordinating additional actions, including internal and external referrals.
• Oversee the IRC in Denver's Client Advisory Council.
• Facilitate platforms for clients to share their experiences and needs.
• Foster the inclusion of clients and client inputs into office strategy formulation, program development, and funding proposals.
• Advocate for the inclusion of clients' perspectives in decision-making processes and ensure clients' feedback is incorporated into program planning and service delivery.

Community Sponsorship (40%):

• Coordinate the IRC in Denver's community sponsorship program to support clients' integration and self-sufficiency.
• Engage with interested individuals, local organizations, businesses, and volunteers to foster community support for clients.
• Organize training sessions for and engage in networking with (potential) sponsors to ensure they understand co-sponsorship roles and responsibilities.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of community sponsorship initiatives.

Resource Connection (20%):

• Identify and connect clients with appropriate resources, including housing, healthcare, employment, and education.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of community resources and services.
• Assist clients in navigating complex systems to access necessary services.
• Follow up with clients to ensure they successfully connect with and benefit from the resources provided.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Position reports to:Community Engagement Coordinator

REQUIREMENTS

• An undergraduate degree is preferred in a relevant field of study.
• Minimum 3 years of work experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, and/or immigrant populations required.
• Community outreach experience preferred.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with colleagues and partners in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment, and the ability to present to a varied public required.
• Ability to develop new programs and initiatives as priorities and opportunities emerge.
• Solid diplomatic and networking skills; the ability to effectively manage a variety of internal and external relationships required.
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines required.
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written, is required.
• Fluency in Arabic, Russian, Dari, Burmese, Kiswahili, Spanish, or other languages and cultures of the local refugee population is strongly preferred.
• A valid driver's license, a reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area are required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The IRC in Denver strives to offer a positive working environment, with intentional efforts to ensure that it is diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible for all.
• Remote and hybrid remote/in-person work
• All staff are required to adhere to IRC's COVID risk mitigation policies. In some cases, these policies may be stricter than those imposed at the federal, state, or local level.
• This role entails frequent travel in and around the Denver metro area to represent the IRC with clients and community partners. Hours outside of typical office hours, including weekends and evenings, may be required.
• Must be able to safely lift 35 lbs.

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 requirements.

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: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12 month time period.