Program Support Specialist

This job posting was opened on 3/7/25. Please note that we will be considering applications from internal employees and former IRC Staff exclusively for the first 5 days. After this period, if necessary, we will extend the opportunity to external candidates.

Job Overview: The IRC in NY is seeking a candidate to play a key support role within the Asylum Seeker Program, which aims to empower asylum seekers to chart their path towards greater agency and wellbeing. The program provides case management services, resources, and advocacy to meet the basic needs of eligible asylum seekers and other recent arrivals in the New York City area.  

The Program Support Specialist for the Asylum Seeker Program helps connect asylum seekers with IRC services and external resources to support their immediate needs and longer-term stability. The position involves conducting eligibility screenings, providing program orientation sessions, collecting client feedback, and assisting clients and community members to access services and resources. Towards these goals, the Specialist will engage with clients and community members directly, and actively collaborate with case managers and other program staff. The Specialist will additionally conduct outreach to community organizations and local agencies to build and maintain referral partnerships and support ongoing service mapping efforts. The Program Support Specialist will report to the Senior Manager of Asylum Programming.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and eligibility criteria for IRC in NY Asylum Programs.
• Conduct program orientation sessions and eligibility screenings to support client enrollment into programs for which they qualify.
• Engage (in person and digitally) with community members seeking services and information; provide relevant program information and other resources, and refer ineligible/waitlisted individuals to community resources such as local departments of social services, shelters, food banks, crisis centers, and others as applicable.
• Conduct provider outreach with local agencies and partners to build mutual referral relationships supporting the complex needs of asylum seekers; expand and maintain a comprehensive list of resources and referrals.
• Detail each client interaction in accordance with established requirements. Input client information in database(s) and assist with tracking and reporting as needed.
• Administer client satisfaction surveys following completion of IRC services, supporting efforts to ensure programming is responsive to client feedback.
• May train and lead the activities of support staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

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

Work Experience:

• Relevant professional experience in human services field required; minimum of 2 years’ experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working with asylum seekers, refugee and/or immigrant populations strongly preferred.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in various global environments and contexts.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by IRC’s clients is desired; including Spanish, French, Russian and Wolof.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research and problem-solving purposes.

Working Environment: 

• Standard office environment.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

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.