Asylum Services Navigator

IRC Background: IRC opened an office in Seattle in 1976 and provides a continuum of services including intensive case management, employment and economic empowerment services, immigration assistance, health and wellness programming, and education support to refugee and immigrant families in Washington State. IRC Seattle is committed to providing trauma-informed, equitable, and accessible services and maintaining and evolving a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace.

Scope:

The Asylum Services Navigator will provide trauma informed in-person information and resource navigation for asylum seekers and other eligible migrants to support a positive initial reception experience in Washington. They will determine eligibility for services and conduct intake and emergency triage for new clients. The Asylum Services Navigator will also conduct a comprehensive needs assessment to determine an individualized referral plan. 

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Ensure clients are aware of the services provided at the Hub including emergency triage, legal information and referrals to comprehensive services. 
• Conduct client intake and emergency triage as needed. 
• Conduct client needs assessment and use results to determine referral plan.
• Provide basic legal information and orientation with the goal of ensuring clients understand the next steps in their process, how to seek and what to expect from legal counsel, and how to seek further information about their legal case
• Input and maintain accurate client records in data management platform. 
• Answer client questions regarding Hub services and basic asylum process next steps, conduct referrals to appropriate partners for continued services.
• Utilize trauma informed strategies to provide support to clients in distress and refer to appropriate care services.   
• Answer client questions with kindness and enthusiasm. 
• Ensure compliance with case documentation, case file management and reporting requirements, adhering to strict confidentiality guidelines. 
• Maintain a clean, safe and secure workstation.
• Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a member of the team.
• Actively participate in the development and growth of the shelter service areas. 
• Other related duties as assigned. 

Key Working Relationships: 

Position Reports to:   Asylum Services Coordinator. 
Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal:  Resettlement Director, Asylum Services Navigators, Data Specialist, Program Officer

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study preferred.

Work Experience:

• At least one-two years demonstrated relevant work experience in case management, social services, or a related role working directly with asylum seekers. 
• Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant, or experience working with refugees and vulnerable populations, strongly preferred.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Fluency in written and spoken English and at least one other language commonly spoken by asylum seekers in the region (e.g. Spanish, Somali) required.
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member, self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively. 
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as strong cultural competency. 
• Ability to conduct thorough assessments of asylum seekers' needs and develop appropriate referral plans. 
• Experience with data entry and collection and virtual case management is preferred, as is knowledge of the U.S. asylum system and available resources for asylum seekers.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and strong keyboarding skills and research skills.

Language Skills: 

• Fluency in written and spoken English 
• Bilingual ability preferred in Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Swahili, Dari, or other Washington State refugee/immigrant language. Strong cross-cultural understanding and excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. 

Working Environment: 

• Standard, professional office environment and field work

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.