Refugee Health Specialist

Refugee Health Specialist
Job Description Summary:
Bridge Refugee Services (BRS) is seeking a qualified individual to fill the role of Refugee Health Specialist. The Refugee Health Specialist (RHS) will be responsible for assisting refugees to overcome health and age-related barriers to self-sufficiency. The RHS works with both clients new to the Bridge service area and those who have been in the US for five years or fewer. Services include providing targeted direct support services that promote health and emotional wellness for refugees, increasing integration and individual living for eligible individuals aged 60 or older, and propelling clients to self-sufficiency. The RHS will help clients create Self-Sufficiency Plans and connect them to relevant community resources.

Current funding for this position comes from the Refugee Health Promotion Program and Refugee Elders Program grants of the Tennessee Office of Refugees. This position reports to the Refugee Health Coordinator.

The regular work schedule is Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Occasional evening, weekend, or off-site field work arise based on organizational needs. Mileage reimbursement is available.

Notable Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist in ensuring eligibility to the TOR Refugee Health Promotion and Refugee Elders Program.
• Assist clients to develop a Self-Sufficiency Plan to identify and accomplish their medical goals for the duration of the program to achieve independent navigation of health systems.
• Assist in connecting clients and their families with educational and support programming and materials that support their ability to make informed health decisions and integrate into the community.
• Assist in connecting clients to nutrition assistance programs and ensuring home-bound individuals have sustainable access to food.
• Assist clients in accessing relevant community resources such as childcare, counseling, specialized medical assistance, and support groups for individuals with health conditions, disabilities, or the elderly.
• Assist clients with coordinating transportation and provide medical coaching after medical appointments to ensure understanding and troubleshoot challenges to foster independent navigation.
• Assist in providing medical education to clients, which may include teaching the client how their insurance works, providing training on the US healthcare system, helping the client understand their condition(s), sharing mental health information, self-advocacy, etc…
• Assist in developing and maintaining relationships with relevant community partners to meet clients’ needs and promote client self-sufficiency.
• Connect clients with educational and other resources to support their ability to make informed health decisions and integrate into the community.
• Assist in developing peer support groups through conducting community needs assessments to ensure groups are relevant and of interest to eligible populations.
• Conduct targeted health outreach to eligible populations and develop educational programming to increase health literacy and ability to make informed health decisions.
• Assist eligible clients with other relevant benefits and services.
• Maintain regular communication with clients during the program.
• Coordinate closely with other Bridge staff members serving the client.
• Request volunteer assistance as needed.
• Maintain proper documentation of services provided to clients, especially case notes.
• Produce required reports on time.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and community outreach events as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Social Work, Human Services, International Studies, or a related field
• fluency in the English language
• experience in a social or human services environment, or significant cross-cultural experience
• preference for candidates who speak Arabic, Dari, Kinyarwanda, Spanish, Swahili, or Ukranian
• preference for candidates who have case management or related social services experience
• preference for candidates with experience working effectively with interpreters
• strong communication and problem-solving skills
• familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, Google Suite, and data entry software
• ability to work well with a team, work under pressure, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks
• ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• valid TN driver’s license and transportation

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• ability to frequently sit for lengthy periods of time and to lift up to 40 lbs

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None

Supervisor:
Refugee Health Coordinator

Salary:
$40,000/year, paid semi-monthly

How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to Kayla Davis at kdavis@bridgerefugees.org. BRS will only invite pre-selected candidates for an interview.