Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is a non-profit organization with Corporate Offices in Phoenix and Tucson and additional offices throughout Arizona.
Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest administers programs and services to help build collaborative Community Partnerships and strengthen individuals, families, and communities.
Working for our organization is a positive, challenging and rewarding experience with opportunities for personal and professional development.
Exempt: Non-Exempt Base Wage: $20.50 per hour Reports to: Resettlement Program Manager Department: Refugee and Immigration Program: Location: Tucson, Arizona Position Type: Regular Date Reviewed: March 2024
General Description:
In concert with the Resettlement Program Manager, this position provides program support by working collaboratively with staff, community providers and clients. The position plays a crucial role in ensuring the successful integration and well-being of refugees in the community by providing ongoing support to refugees for up to five years following their arrival. This position's responsibilities will encompass comprehensive service coordination, case management, advocacy, and compliance with program requirements. Requires the ability to take initiative to ensure productivity, organization, and completion of assignments efficiently and within established time frames. The job requires sensitivity to the program population's cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following:
WEIGHT DESCRIPTION 25Service Coordination Oversight:
•Ensure that refugees have access to a comprehensive range of supportive services, including housing assistance, employment training, language classes, healthcare, mental health services, and educational opportunities.
•Collaborate with case managers and service providers to develop individualized service plans for refugees and monitor their progress towards self-sufficiency and integration goals.
•Provide intake, needs assessment, and enrollment services for clients referred to social adjustment services.
•Assist clients with public benefits applications, including SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, and TANF.
•Connect clients with medical providers as appropriate.
•Other duties as requested.25Documentation and Reporting Oversight:
•Monitor and oversee the maintenance of thorough and accurate documentation of client interactions, service provision, and progress toward goals, in compliance with program requirements and grant regulations.
•Review and analyze reports to identify trends, challenges, and areas for improvement in service delivery and outcomes for refugees.
•Accept referrals and service authorizations in accordance with contract and licensing standards, state laws and regulatory requirements.
•Maintain an accurate and up to date list of all current clients and contact information.
•Prepare and maintain accurate and complete client files, program forms, policies, and procedures.
•Assist with program file audits for compliance and accuracy.
•Assist with changes in contract and licensing policies and procedures and update program operation manuals.
•Inputs client data into required LSS-SW and State software applications such as AARPODS.20Capacity Building and Training:
•Facilitate training sessions, workshops, and other learning activities to enhance knowledge and skills related to refugee services, cultural competency, trauma-informed care, and database management.
•Train staff on the scope of work and utilization of databases to ensure accurate and efficient documentation of client information and service provision15Resource Coordination and Community Engagement:
•Advocate on behalf of refugees to ensure they receive timely and appropriate services, accommodations, and support from service providers, government agencies, and community organizations.
•Facilitate communication and collaboration among various stakeholders to address systemic barriers and improve access to resources for refugees.
•Support the development and implementation of community engagement initiatives aimed at promoting social connection, cultural exchange, and empowerment among refugees.
•Provide guidance and support to clients in accessing community resources, participating in civic engagement opportunities, and building social networks.5Attend meetings, conferences, and working groups relevant to refugee services to stay informed about emerging issues, best practices, and policy developments.5Present and model a professional attitude, respect cultural and ethnic differences and always wear professional attire.5Fulfill additional responsibilities and tasks as assigned by supervisors to support the overall mission and objectives of the Refugee Services program.
Qualifications Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
•Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, public health, or a related field preferred.
•Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED.
•One year's experience in the Human Services field working with children, families, and or adults preferred.
•Must be at least 21 years of age.
•Provide and maintain a current certification in First Aid and CPR.
•Provide and maintain a current Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card, clear the Department of Economic Security Central Registry Background Check and a criminal background and motor vehicle screening; must maintain valid AZ Driver's License, a clear driving record and reliable transportation for the duration of employment.
•Must have a clear driving record for at least 36 months.
•Must maintain a clear driving record during the time of employment.
•Must have reliable transportation, a valid AZ driver license and current automobile insurance.
•Ability to work independently with high initiative.
•Ability to travel throughout the state or nationally as requested by supervisor.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
•Proficient computer skills and knowledge of Outlook and Microsoft Office Programs (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
•Skills in English/ Spanish composition, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
•Strong interpersonal skills and ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations.
•Ability to relate well with families of varied lifestyles, backgrounds and ethnicities.
•Experience in cultural diversity.
•Ability to assess family's strengths and weaknesses.
•Ability to recognize signs of abuse/neglect.
•Ability to participate as a member of a team, including collaboration, cross-training, and mutual assistance.
•Participate in ongoing Professional Development Training. Training must be relevant to position.
•Ability to work independently with high initiative.
•Ability to travel throughout the state and provide own transportation as requested by the Supervisor.
Language Skills:
Ability to communicate clearly. Ability to listen and perceive need. Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds non-judgmentally. Ability to effectively present and represent LSS-SW and the program's needs to religious and community groups as well as others in the social services community. Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is preferred.
Mathematical Skills:
Good ability to calculate figures.
Reasoning Abilities:
Ability to define problems, collect data, evaluate information, draw conclusions, and take appropriate action based on this information. Ability and confidence to make decisions when appropriate and when to solicit guidance from the Program Manager.
Physical Demands/Work Environment:
The physical demands and work environment characteristics here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
•While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time.
•The employee frequently is required to use hands to hold objects and operate office equipment.
•The employee is required to be able to listen and communicate effectively.
•The employee may be required to occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
•The noise level in the work environment varies with the activity level of the facility.
•Maintain valid AZ Driver License, vehicle insurance and reliable transportation.
•Ability to work within the mission of LSS-SW.
All positions at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest require a background check.