Safety & Wellness Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) was founded in 1933 and is a prominent nonsectarian, voluntary organization dedicated to providing relief, protection, and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. The IRC has a mission to assist those in need, particularly refugees resettling in the United States. The organization opened its Phoenix, Arizona office in 1994, focusing on reception and placement services for newly arrived refugees. The IRC operates numerous programs designed to support refugees from their arrival through to citizenship, ensuring they receive the necessary assistance and resources to integrate into their new communities.

Job Overview:
The Safety & Wellness Specialist plays a crucial role in the IRC's Humanitarian Reception Program by collaborating with Humanitarian Reception coordinators and Safety & Wellness casework staff. This position is responsible for assessing client needs, supporting outreach efforts, and connecting individuals to community-based resources. The specialist will also provide additional assistance across the Phoenix office as needed, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique situations. The role requires a proactive approach to client engagement and a commitment to delivering trauma-informed, client-centered services that align with the IRC's mission of supporting vulnerable populations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Safety & Wellness Specialist will have a variety of responsibilities, including:

• Supporting enrollment for clients based on their arrival patterns, ensuring that all necessary documentation and case files are maintained accurately.
• Entering program data and maintaining case files to track client progress and service delivery.
• Providing client support in coordination with the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) team, ensuring that clients receive the assistance they need.
• Identifying participants for the DEPTH Research Project, coordinating outreach efforts, conducting surveys and interviews, and managing participant care effectively.
• Delivering trauma-informed, client-centered services to Safety & Wellness clients, assessing their needs, connecting them to appropriate services, and developing referral plans that align with program eligibility.
• Providing light-touch case support, including assessments, crisis support, and referrals for additional resources as necessary.
• Participating in meetings, staff development, and team activities to foster a collaborative work environment.
• Following all IRC policies and procedures and performing other duties as assigned to support the overall mission of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the Safety & Wellness Specialist position should possess the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a similar field is strongly preferred; however, comparable related work experience may be substituted.
• A minimum of 2 years of related work experience, with at least 1 year of experience working with asylum seekers, victims of crime, or other vulnerable populations.
• In-depth knowledge of asylum issues, trends, laws, and regulations, along with an understanding of the victim perspective and needs.
• Experience in case management and/or victims assistance is preferred.
• Proven experience conducting training and outreach to diverse audiences.
• Strong relationship-building, diplomacy, and networking skills, with the ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, combined with the ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, along with excellent written and spoken English skills.
• Public speaking and/or presentation experience is preferred. 1
• Computer literacy and database experience are preferred, along with the ability to work independently and be a flexible team player.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Safety & Wellness Specialist position should ideally have a Bachelor’s degree or higher in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field. While a degree is strongly preferred, relevant work experience in lieu of formal education may be considered. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of social services and the needs of vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of refugee resettlement and support.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of related work experience, with at least 1 year specifically focused on working with asylum seekers, victims of crime, or other vulnerable populations. This experience is crucial for understanding the unique challenges faced by these groups and for providing effective support and services. Candidates should have a demonstrated ability to navigate complex social issues and possess a strong understanding of the legal and social frameworks surrounding asylum and victim assistance.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, bilingual ability in languages such as Spanish, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, French, or other refugee/immigrant languages commonly used in Arizona is preferred. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for effectively engaging with clients from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that their needs are met in a culturally sensitive manner.

Additional Notes:
The Safety & Wellness Specialist position is based in a combination of standard office environments, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area. The role may require occasional weekend and/or evening work to accommodate client needs. Candidates must be able to lift 35 to 50 pounds, which may include furniture, household supplies, and food boxes. The compensation for this position is set at a pay rate of $23.50 per hour, with the posted pay ranges applicable to US-based candidates. These ranges are determined based on various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC is committed to equal opportunity employment and adheres to professional standards that emphasize integrity, service, equality, and accountability.