Community Services Specialist

Requisition #: req12965

Location: Grand Rapids, MI

Hours: Full-time (40 Hours/Week)

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

The Community Services Specialist is primarily responsible for educating and empowering the community to effectively serve refugees and immigrants. This individual is also responsible for community engagement, recruitment, and coordination and education of volunteers.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Design and assist with recruitment and educational events for the community;
• Act as a community liaison to create new community partnerships;
• May manage social media initiatives, depending on program;
• Coordinate referrals and volunteer intakes;
• Conduct volunteer interviews, volunteer evaluations, and volunteer matching;
• Provide ongoing coaching and support for volunteers through phone calls; emails and meetings;
• Coordinate monthly training events and support group meetings;
• Coordinate quarterly mentor gatherings.
• Assist with the facilitation of volunteer orientation sessions.
• Collaborates with the administrative coordinator to oversee the recruitment, processing, and training of tutors or mentors.
• Foster ongoing relationship with tutors or mentors through weekly communication.
• Coordinate weekly volunteer schedules.
• Provide recruitment assistance for in home ESL and homework tutors.
• Assist with Refugee ESL Program including classroom management and coordination of volunteers.
• Act as a community liaison to establish new educational initiatives and resources.
• May administer the distribution process for mentor logs, while also following up on missing logs in a timely manner, depending on program.
• Attend and actively participate in weekly team meetings.
• Complete other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Global Studies/International Relations or related field of study from an accredited college.
• Prior knowledge and experience in a similar role preferred.
• Prior experience working with youth from diverse cultures preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Exercise a high level of confidentiality.
• Demonstrated knowledge of office best practices, procedures, and operations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Work well under pressure and adaptable to change, while demonstrating strong organizational skills.
• Computer and typing skills sufficient to perform essential job functions;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.