Program Coordinator, Pre-Arrival

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS is embarking upon providing virtual resettlement services to clients in the Virtual Reception and Placement (VR&P) Program funded by the Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM). This new program is intended to be an alternative, “lighter touch” pathway for higher-resourced, lower-risk cases than traditional on-site resettlement. In the virtual setting, caseworkers assist from afar, communicating through various channels, to assist as needed to position new arrivals for the same ultimate goal—successful integration in the community and early self-sufficiency.

It is anticipated that new arrivals, with support from U.S. ties and virtual caseworkers, will receive core services, including public benefits, healthcare, social services, public education, and employment assistance, while having access to stable housing from the U.S ties.

HIAS seeks a Program Coordinator, Pre-Arrival to coordinate pre-arrival processing for refugees and Special Immigrant Visa (SIVs) holders who are participating in the new VR&P Program. Through the VR&P Program, arriving refugees/SIVs will be placed with their family and friends (U.S. ties) and a case manager, working virtually, will provide guidance and case management during the first 90 days post-arrival.

The pre-arrival processing channels for individuals and families being resettled through VR&P will be similar to traditional resettlement, and the major program partners the Program Coordinator, Pre-Arrival will partner with will remain the same: the United States State Department’s Refugee Processing Center (RPC), overseas Resettlement Support Centers (RSCs), and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The Program Coordinator, Pre-Arrival will be involved in all aspects of refugee pre-arrival case processing including allocations, assurances and travel that will be adapted for this program. Training on and tools for new protocols will be provided.

Note, this is a temporary position that starts ASAP and ends December 31, 2024, with possible extension. The salary for this position is $57,500.00, and this position is contingent upon a pending funding agreement.

This position can be based at our headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland or our office in New York, New York, or it can be remote for applicants who live outside of commuting distance to either of our offices and are based in other states in which we are registered (Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs all functions necessary for processing of refugee/SIV cases through the IRIS computer system, including receipt of information from and transmission to Refugee Processing Center (RPC), placement and assurance of cases, monitoring of deadlines, etc.
• Refers client bio-data information to HIAS virtual case management team for assurance; maintains communications with the VR&P team to ensure they provide acceptance in a timely fashion; completes assurance process through IRIS computer system and transmits assurances to RPC in accordance with timeframes set by PRM (State Department) and the RPC; requests waivers of assurance deadlines in extraordinary circumstances when an assurance cannot be provided in the required timeframe.
• Provides all relevant information and documentation on specific refugees, including medical information and travel information as needed, to required recipients.
• Provides information, training and guidance to HIAS virtual case management on all pre-arrival aspects of the virtual refugee program.
• Rotates with Virtual R&P team members to provide after-hours support for clients with travel-related issues.
• Participates in RCUSA’s Pre-Arrival Subcommittee meetings, and other RCUSA meetings, as needed.
• Responds to and logs inquiries from U.S.-based anchor relatives of potential overseas refugee applicants.
• Provides answers to R&P inquiries from U.S. Ties, clients and general public.
• Provides support for other pre- and post-arrival functions, as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree required.
• 2-3 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of U.S. Refugee Program required; previous work experience at a resettlement affiliate strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 platform, including SharePoint and MS Teams, preferred; proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word is essential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to maintain key relationships with program staff at HIAS affiliates and other national voluntary agencies.
• Well-organized and detail-oriented; ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Self-starter able to manage and carry out varied functions of multi-faceted program.
• Travel, to include travel to insecure operating environments, may be required.

HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a HIAS recruiter.

Step 3: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Video interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Online reference check with SkillSurvey.

Step 6: Offer and background check with Shield Screening or HireRight.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. We strongly encourage applicants of diverse identities, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply even if you do not meet all required qualifications but have other qualifications relevant to the role that would make you a great fit for this role with HIAS!

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.