Refugee Resettlement Specialist (1886)

Lutheran Services Florida (LSF) envisions a world where children are safe, families are strong, and communities are vibrant.

LSF is looking for a talented Refugee Resettlement Specialist who wants to make an impact in the lives of others.   

Purpose and Impact: 

The Resettlement Specialist is responsible for guiding newly arrived refugees through the initial resettlement period, which focuses on creating stability, developing self-sufficiency plans through a realistic and strengths-based approach, and actively providing appropriate services, enrollments, and referrals based on client need, strengths, and goals.

Essential Functions:   

1.  Manages refugee cases, ensuring timely delivery of services and fulfillment of requirements outlined in the Cooperative Agreement with Department of State/Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and as required by LFS standards and procedures
2.  Provide necessary support for refugees during the active R&P period. Support includes, but not limited to:
3.  Coordinate pre-arrival assessment, assurance, and US-tie screening and orientation.  
4.  Coordinate pre-arrival preparations, such as locating and securing suitable housing, purchasing housing essentials, furniture and basic food supplies, setting up utilities etc. in accordance with R&P Cooperative Agreement.
5. Coordinate and provide airport reception for refugees through the Reception and Placement Program.  
6. Coordinate English classes, vocational education, job training, childcare, cultural orientation and other referrals and services, as well as transportation to appointments.  
7. Coordinate interpretation and translation services to refugee clients.  
8. Conduct home visits as mandated by the program.  
9. Prepare and document direct client assistance requests and disbursements. Secures signatures and necessary documentation for the case file.
10. Enroll eligible clients into the employment program and provide orientation, maintenance assistance, and on-going case management services throughout the program service period. 
11. Develop and document a budget for each case with expenditures and dates.
12. Coordinate employment services, including job orientations, in a timely manner to assist clients in achieving self-sufficiency.  
13. Coordinate and conduct enrollment of the Central American Minors (CAM) program.  
14.  Coordinate and conduct enrollment of the Lautenberg program. 
15. Assist all eligible clients in filling the required forms for AOR - P3, CAM, SIV walk ins and Lautenberg Programs
16. Generate and submit cases’ reports.  
17. Participate in community events to disseminate program information and recruit potential clients.  
18.  Stays abreast of refugee and immigrant issues, and available services to refugees, using current information to better identify and serve refugee clients.  
19. Represent and promotes the refugee program at meetings and speaking engagements.
20. Participate in LIRS trainings on cultural competence, service provision, policies and procedures.
21. Perform other related duties as requested by the LSF and/or the Resettlement Program Manager. 

Other Functions:

• May enter all financial transactions of the client’s funds into the IRIS system as well as accounting per procedures in a timely manner
• May create and document check request vouchers for all R&P clients per scheduled if necessary
• Must possess a clean/valid Florida Driver License, reliable transportation and proof of insurance (transcript of driving record will be requested from the Department of Motor Vehicle at the time of hire).
• Completes inventory control data entry form from DPVs, enters information in the database, and tags all the equipment and furniture regularly.
• Provides indirect supervision of Resettlement Program staff.
• Assists manager with RFP and other project.
• Assists Manager in enforcement and attaining program goals.
• Provides training to program staff if necessary.

Physical Requirements:

Must be able to lift at least 45 pounds.  Reasonable accommodation may be made for otherwise qualified persons with disabilities.  Regular sitting, working at computer keyboard and desk.  Occasional bending, and lifting.  Must be able to drive to different locations.

Education:

High School/GED Diploma

Experience:

3-year experience preferred working with refugees or immigrants. Cross-cultural or international experience preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of refugee cultures, backgrounds, languages and resources helpful.
• Computer skills to produce and interpret graphs, charts, spreadsheets and other mathematical reports.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; make recommendations and develop implementation strategies.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Ability to interpret agency, federal and state laws pertaining to the program.
• Ability to speak before groups of individuals and to lead employees and volunteers.
• Ability to plan and direct activities to write goals and objectives.
• Ability to utilize agency resources and technology to appropriately answer questions and provides guidance to staff and parents.
• Ability to train and provide presentations to large and small groups.
• Ability to collaborate with and have working knowledge of local community resources.
• Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment.
• Sustained concentration and attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload and deadlines.
• Must be able to work a flexible work schedule.
• Bilingual a plus.

Other:

Must demonstrate sensitivity to our service population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics and needs.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Reports to Manager
• Must be a team player with monitors as well as other clerical staff.
• Accurate, complete and timely submission of required reports and documentation to LIRS & LSF.
• Effective working relationship with clients (providers).
• Adherence to LSF policies and procedures.

Why work for LSF?

LSF offers 60 programs across the state of Florida serving a wide range of populations in need. Mission Driven staff members become part of the LSF community while transforming the lives of those in need. Our staff additionally find growth opportunities as they explore areas of interest within the organization. 

Amazing benefits package including:

• Medical, dental and vision
• Teladoc (24/7 access to doctors)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Long-term disability
• Employer paid life insurance (1X salary), AD&D
• Health and dependent care FSA
• 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
• Generous PTO policy
• 403(b) Retirement plan with 3% discretionary employer match
• Tuition reimbursement

Lutheran Services Florida embraces diversity, equity and inclusion in all business practices. LSF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.