Asylum Service Navigators

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

IRC Background: The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoodsare shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has a presence in over 40 countries and 27 offices in the United States; the IRC leads the way from harm to home. 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.

Job Overview: The Asylum Services Navigator plays a critical role in directly supporting asylum seekers as they navigate the complex U.S. asylum system and access essential services. This position requires a compassionate and culturally sensitive individual who can build rapport with clients and effectively assess their needs. The Asylum Services Navigator will be responsible for conducting intakes, providing information and resource navigation, and facilitating referrals to appropriate services.

Major Responsibilities:

Client Intake and Eligibility Determination:

• Conduct comprehensive intake interviews with asylum seekers, gathering relevant information about their background, legal status, and needs.
• Determine eligibility for program services based on established criteria and guidelines.
• Explain program services, client rights and responsibilities, and obtain consent for reviewing immigration documentation.
• Participate in monthly outreach and Intake pop-up events to facilitate access to the program for eligible communities across Washington State

Information and Resource Navigation:

• Provide accurate and up-to-date information to asylum seekers about the asylum process, available resources, and relevant legal rights.
• Assist clients in navigating complex systems and accessing essential services such as housing, healthcare, legal aid, and public benefits.
• Develop individualized service plans and facilitate referrals to appropriate service providers.

Emergency Triage and Assessment:

• Assess clients' immediate needs and provide emergency triage to address urgent health, safety, or shelter concerns.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to identify ongoing needs and develop appropriate referral plans.
• Collaborate with the Asylum Services Coordinator to ensure timely and appropriate support for clients experiencing crisis situations.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Collect and maintain accurate client data, including demographic information, needs assessments, service plans, and referrals.
• Utilize the electronic database and newcomer management system to track client interactions and outcomes.
• Contribute to program reports and evaluations by providing timely and accurate data.

Other related duties as assigned based on program needs

Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: Asylum Services Intake Coordinator
Indirect Reporting:
Other Internal and/or external contacts:
Internal: Senior Asylum Services Manager, Referral Pathways Coordinator, Partnership Coordinator, Asylum Services Navigator, Data Specialist, Technical Coordinator, Finance Team, Operations Team.
External: migrant and refugee communities, other asylum service agencies in WA.

Job Requirements:
Qualifications

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience. Lived experience as an asylee, refugee, or immigrant is preferred
• 1-2 years of experience in case management, social services, or a related role working directly with asylum seekers or other vulnerable populations.
• Lived experience as an asylee, refugee, or immigrant is preferred
• Ability to document client interactions and services provided and maintain updated and accurate documentation.
• Fluency in English and Spanish
• Advanced technological proficiency. Demonstrated ability to quickly master new systems and client/program management software.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong cultural competency and understanding of the unique challenges faced by asylum seekers.
• Experience with data entry, collection, and virtual case management preferred.
• Knowledge of the U.S. asylum system, relevant legal resources, and available services for asylum seekers.
• Effective time management skills and ability to focus and work productively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member in a multi-cultural environment
• Valid driver’s license and insurance

Working Environment:

• Must live in Washington State and be available to travel for work
• Standard, professional office environment; office and field work, some remote work based on project capacity
• Will require occasional weekend and /or evening work.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our organization. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

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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. 

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.