Asylum Seekers & Families (ASF) Specialist

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Position Title: Asylum Seekers & Families (ASF) Specialist
Location: United States
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Rolling application

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The organization operates a Welcome Center that serves as an emergency shelter for migrants and asylum seekers who have recently been released from government custody. The center aims to provide safe respite and supportive emergency services to asylum seekers while they coordinate travel to their new homes in the United States. The organization is committed to diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from candidates who can contribute to this goal. They are an equal opportunity employer, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations throughout the application and employment process.

Job Overview:
The Asylum Seekers & Families (ASF) Specialist is responsible for providing direct care services to asylum seekers at the Welcome Center. This role involves ensuring that all basic needs of the families are met during their stay, including access to meals, bedding, clothing, and personal hygiene supplies. The ASF Specialist also plays a crucial role in advocacy efforts on behalf of migrant and asylum seekers in the United States. The position requires the ability to work independently while also collaborating with volunteers, staff, and other providers at the Welcome Center. The ASF Specialist will conduct client intakes, support travel arrangements, and provide resources for clients, ensuring they understand the services available to them and the next steps in the asylum process. The role is vital in maintaining a clean, safe, and secure environment for clients and staff alike, and it involves regular interaction with clients to address their needs and concerns.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The ASF Specialist's responsibilities include conducting client intakes, providing legal orientation, supporting travel arrangements, and ensuring clients have access to all services provided at the shelter. They will answer client questions regarding Welcome Center services and the asylum process, maintain a clean and organized center, complete inventory of supplies, and provide support to clients in distress. The ASF Specialist will also complete rounds throughout their shift to ensure services are running smoothly, answer questions from clients and volunteers, and ensure compliance with case documentation and confidentiality guidelines. Participation in program meetings and staff development activities is expected, as well as active engagement in the growth of the Welcome Center service areas. Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field of study, with at least two years of demonstrated relevant work experience in the human services field, preferably in a non-profit or social services agency environment. Shelter or residential experience is preferred, and prior experience working with refugee populations or asylum seekers is highly valued. Candidates must demonstrate fluency in written and spoken English, with bilingual ability preferred in languages such as Spanish, Dari, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, French, or other refugee/immigrant languages used in Arizona. Strong problem-solving skills, the ability to multi-task, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications are also required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field is preferred for this position. This educational background provides the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively support asylum seekers and families in a shelter environment.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least two years of relevant work experience in the human services field, ideally within a non-profit or social services agency. Experience in a shelter or residential setting is preferred, and familiarity with refugee populations or asylum seekers is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory. Bilingual ability in Spanish, Dari, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, French, or other refugee/immigrant languages used in Arizona is preferred and considered an asset for this role.

Additional Notes:
The Welcome Center operates 24 hours a day, requiring flexible work hours, including weekends, nights, and holidays. Candidates must have a valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, and access to reliable transportation. They should also be willing to drive a 15-passenger van. In accordance with Arizona State Law, candidates must possess or be eligible to receive a fingerprint clearance card. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including sick days, paid time off, medical and dental insurance, a retirement savings plan, and an Employee Assistance Program. Additionally, there is a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for new hires.