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

Since 1939, the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) has offered welcome and hope to refugees. LIRS has transformed lives with the support and hard work of people like you, to welcome the most vulnerable to the United States from sea to shining sea.

We help people seeking safety from persecution in their home countries and reunite families torn apart by conflict. We resettle refugees. We protect vulnerable children who arrive alone in the United States. We advocate for compassion and justice for all migrants.

Widely recognized for our expertise in implementing federal programs on behalf of refugees and migrants in the United States, conducting policy advocacy, and advancing the protection and rights of vulnerable migrants.

Headquartered in the beautiful Inner Harbor of downtown Baltimore we provide services nationwide through a network of staff and affiliates. 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, and vision available on 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 PLUS the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave, company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match, 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!

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is a champion for all uprooted people. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

Reporting to the Client Services Supervisor, the Case Manager and Employment Specialist will provide case management, employment, and supportive services to newly arriving refugees and other Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) eligible populations through the LIRS Baltimore Welcome Center. The position will support the self-sufficiency and integration of newcomers. Direct service programs may include Reception and Placement (R&P), Matching Grant (MG), and Preferred Communities (PC).

DUTIES

• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate client-centered, trauma-informed support.
• Assist in providing reception services to arriving refugees including airport pick-up.
• Screen and enroll eligible families and individuals.
• In collaboration with the client, create a service plan to address needs, remove barriers, and achieve self-sufficiency.
• Consistency review of service plan and update throughout the program period.
• Provide support to meet identified needs including housing, school enrollment, referral to healthcare, social services, benefits enrollment, and employment, as applicable.
• Provide employment services including job readiness training, resume writing assistance, interview preparation, and job placement to program participants.
• Maintain regular contact with clients in accordance with program requirement timeframe.
• Ensure the provision of gender-equitable services.
• Closely monitor service provision to ensure non-duplication with other federally funded programs.
• Provide interpretation and translation services to program participants, as well as transportation and accompaniment to appointments as required.
• Provide cross-cultural and enhanced orientation to ensure a smooth process of resettlement.
• Conduct outreach, engage in public speaking, and ensure those seeking support are connected to services.
• Conduct outreach to potential employers.
• Work to connect clients with supportive community networks and systems to remove barriers and ensure self-sufficiency and long-term integration.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation in the client's case file and online database to ensure services are clearly documented throughout the client's service period.
• Submit programmatic reports as required.
• Deliver services in accordance with program guidelines including R&P and MG.
• Attend stakeholder meetings and work with community partners to learn about resources for newly arriving refugees and other ORR-eligible populations and make referrals when needed.
• Cultivate new relationships with service providers, referral partners, and local employers.
• Coordinate and collaborate with key stakeholders and service providers to ensure that program participants are linked and offered services in a timely manner.
• Ensure that newly arriving refugees and other ORR-eligible populations are being served in a linguistically and culturally appropriate manner within the community and provide education and advocacy when necessary.
• 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 a 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, Farsi, French, Swahili).
• Proficient in the use of MS Word, MS Access, 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 reliable 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 LIRS' core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) 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 offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment, 403(b) with company contribution and match, 20 days of vacation per year, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and much more. 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.