Family Reunification Specialist

Job Description

IRC Background:

The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are 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 assistance, immigration services, health and wellness programming, and education support to refugee and immigrant families in Washington State. IRC Washington is committed to providing trauma-informed, equitable, and accessible services and maintaining and evolving a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace.

Job Overview:

Under the direction of the Accredited Representative, the Family Reunification Specialist provides support in four key areas: 1) Client intake; 2) Form preparation, 3) Casework, and 4) Additional services include community outreach, citizenship workshops, coordinating and managing the naturalization tutors’ pool and volunteer management

Major Responsibilities:

Assist lawful US residents apply for family members belonging to religious minorities in former Soviet Union counties to join them in the US. Qualifying family members include spouses, parents, children, siblings, grandparents, and grandchildren of legal US resident. Detailed description of position below.

Family Reunification (AOR) Services

- Conduct eligibility consultations. - Collect relevant information from refugees in US and family member abroad. - Help applicants fill out paper application and compile required documentation. - Communicate with NY headquarters with questions and new procedures; and - Keep applicants posted on case updates, new documentation need, and respond to inquiries.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Daria Potapova Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Internal: Resettlement Team, Immigration Team, and HQ

External: Volunteers, Interns, and Key Community partners

Qualifications

Job Requirements:

- Degree in relevant field, or equivalent professional and/or lived experience. - Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred - In lieu of lived experience, experience working with refugees and/or immigrants; cross-cultural or overseas experience accepted - Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment and with Limited English Proficient people. - Able to work effectively in a team environment, as well as take independent initiative. - Excellent attention to detail and strong organizational skills. - Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and comfortable utilizing online software and programs. - Excellent communication skills with proficiency in written and spoken English and professional proficiency in Ukrainian is required. - Demonstrated dedication to immigrant rights, social justice, and/or human rights based on work experience, volunteer service, or educational activities. - Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning.

Working Environment:

· Standard office environment with occasional opportunities to participate in community outreach and legal assistance events. Currently IRC Seattle is a hybrid office/remote work environment.

· Access to a reliable transportation to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement****: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

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****: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. 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.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.