Client Support Specialist

Mission: Driven by the Jewish value of “welcoming the stranger,” HIAS Pennsylvania supports low-income immigrants of all backgrounds as they build their lives in our community. Through Immigrant legal services and an  array of social services, we work to address their needs, defend their rights, and advocate for their equitable  inclusion in American society. 

The Client Support Specialist plays a vital role in supporting the delivery of legal services and outreach efforts. This position provides administrative and programmatic support to all program staff, facilitates access to services for clients, and supports clinics, group processing events, and individual case assistance. The ideal candidate is organized, empathetic, resourceful, and committed to working with vulnerable and underserved populations.

This position is represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers International Union UAW, AFL CIO, and will be covered by the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which is currently  in the collective bargaining process. As such, employment will be subject to the provisions of the agreement,  including but not limited to wages, benefits, working conditions, and grievance procedures. A copy of the final CBA  will be available once the bargaining process has been completed.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

Client & Case Support

• Assist clients in completing intake forms, applications, and documentation as part of agency’s intake process as well as in legal clinics and group processing events.
• Provide limited individual case support such as scheduling, follow-up, and collecting required documentation.
• Assist in translating documents and securing volunteer translators and interpreters
• Conduct basic needs assessments and connect clients with relevant legal and social service resources.
• Maintain confidentiality and a trauma-informed, client-centered approach in all interactions.

Administrative & Program Support

• Prepare case files, client correspondence, and related documentation.
• Assist with data entry, case management systems, and the maintenance of physical and electronic files.
• Track client appointments, manage calendars, and coordinate logistics for client meetings and clinics.
• Assist with handling of incoming and outgoing mail
• Support grant reporting efforts through accurate documentation and tracking of services provided.
• Perform other tasks and responsibilities assigned by supervisory staff depending upon HIAS PA’s needs.

Information Management & Resource Coordination

• Help identify, update, and organize community resource materials for internal and external use.
• Maintain up-to-date resource lists (e.g., housing, public benefits, health care, food assistance).
• Develop and maintain relationships with other social and legal service providers to help facilitate case referrals and resource sharing
• Support community outreach efforts, including printing materials and assisting with logistics.

Clinic & Event Support 

• Support legal clinics and group workshops by managing client flow, interpreting/translation (if applicable), materials preparation, and event logistics.
• Collect and organize intake materials and clinic data for program evaluation.
• Occasional work or night and weekend hours. Travel may be required. Travel reimbursements apply. 

• Bachelor's degree (strongly preferred) or equivalent combination of education and work experience required
• Experience working with refugees, asylees and other immigrant populations (strongly preferred)
• High proficiency in a foreign language strongly preferred (with an emphasis on Spanish, French, Arabic, Chinese or Vietnamese)
• Demonstrated commitment to working with a public interest organization preferred
• Prior experience working with trauma survivors or other vulnerable populations preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and ability to pay close attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively and build mutually respectful relationships with co-workers, clients, and the public
• Proficiency in web-based software, Microsoft Office applications, database management and peer-to-peer communication platforms; Familiarity with G-suite tools.

Emotional Demands: While performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to discuss topics including, but not limited to, discrimination; child abuse; domestic violence; sexual assault; violence and psychological trauma. HIAS PA will provide information about available resources and training for Employees related to the emotional demands of the role, and provide such resources and training directly as operationally possible.

Physical Requirements: Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; Ability to travel throughout Philadelphia Metro area via public transportation

Other Information: HIAS Pennsylvania is currently working on a hybrid work model. HIAS Pennsylvania requires all  staff to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with the exception of those who have approved medical or religious  belief exemptions.  

Why Join the HIAS PA Team?

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Exempt position with a 35-hour workweek
• Employment package includes company-paid comprehensive health insurance coverage
• 403(b) Retirement account with employer contribution
• Generous Time Off including Vacation, PTO, & Paid Holidays
• Company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance

HIAS Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital, veteran or disability status, political affiliation, or beliefs. We believe that diversity enriches our organization and helps us to fulfill our mission. All qualified applicants, including those who represent minority and marginalized groups, are strongly encouraged to apply.

Salary : $50,000 - $56,000