Wellness Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the International Rescue Committee (IRC), which was established in 193

• The IRC is dedicated to helping people affected by humanitarian crises to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. With a mission to restore dignity and hope to those in need, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, employing more than 14,000 staff members worldwide. The organization focuses on providing health services, education, economic wellbeing, and safety to vulnerable populations, particularly refugees and displaced individuals.

Job Overview:
The Wellness Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting the mental health and resilience of individuals and families who have been forcibly displaced. This position involves providing one-on-one peer support, case management, and group-based services aimed at enhancing the psychological well-being of clients. The Wellness Specialist is responsible for delivering psychoeducation and skill-building workshops, facilitating mental health and psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support (MHPSS) groups, and coordinating program logistics. This client-facing role requires the specialist to connect clients with appropriate mental health resources, assist with care coordination, and collaborate with supervisors to provide crisis support as needed. The position is designed for individuals who are passionate about mental health advocacy and have a strong commitment to supporting marginalized communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Wellness Specialist's duties include providing Skills for Psychology Recovery (SPR) services to clients, which encompasses one-on-one psychosocial support and health navigation case management. The specialist will develop individualized action plans based on assessments, refer clients to culturally and linguistically appropriate providers when necessary, and support crisis assessments and interventions in collaboration with supervisors. Additionally, the specialist will meet with individuals and families in the community to conduct needs assessments and represent the MHPSS program at outreach events. In terms of program facilitation, the specialist will facilitate MHPSS group programs, ensuring compliance with contract guidelines, and will organize logistics for these programs, including scheduling and transportation. Monitoring and evaluation responsibilities include preparing pre and post-program surveys, documenting client interactions, and assisting in evaluating services to identify new program opportunities. The specialist will also attend team meetings and collaborate with team members to ensure program quality and compliance, performing other duties as assigned to support MHPSS programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a relevant degree or equivalent professional and/or lived experience in social work, psychosocial support, mental health, or community engagement. Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred, and in lieu of this, experience working with refugees or immigrants is acceptable. Candidates should have professional proficiency in English and preferably one or more of the following languages: Ukrainian, Dari, Pashto, or Swahili. Prior experience in community organizing, particularly with marginalized communities, is essential. Familiarity with the challenges faced by refugee and immigrant communities regarding trauma and mental health is crucial. Candidates should demonstrate strong problem-solving skills, the ability to prioritize tasks, and effective communication skills. A commitment to client confidentiality and safeguarding is mandatory, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with data-tracking systems.

Educational Background:
The position requires a relevant degree in social work, psychology, or a related field. Equivalent professional experience may also be considered. Candidates with lived experience as refugees or immigrants may have an advantage, as this background can provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by clients.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience working with refugees and/or community organizing, particularly with communities that have been marginalized or oppressed. Experience in mental health support or social services is highly desirable, as is familiarity with the issues facing refugee and immigrant communities. The ability to assess needs and develop action plans is essential, along with experience in advocating for clients within health and social service systems.

Languages:
Professional proficiency in English is mandatory, and candidates should also have proficiency in one or more of the following languages: Ukrainian, Dari, Pashto, or Swahili. These language skills are preferred as they enable better communication with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
The position offers a flexible hybrid working environment, allowing for both remote and in-office work. The compensation for this role ranges from $26 to $29 per hour, depending on various factors such as the labor market and individual candidate experience. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering all applicants based on merit without discrimination. The organization provides a comprehensive benefits package, including sick days, paid time off, medical and dental insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program to support staff and their families during times of crisis.