Program Specialist (VRSAP) at Church World Service, Inc. in Harrisonburg, Virginia

Job Description:

About CWS



Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.



Purpose



This employee serves as the school liaison for clients under the Virginia Refuge Student Achievement Project (VRSAP), managing youth programming and coordinating volunteers for the VRSAP program.



Responsibilities



• Conduct an intake with newly arrived refugee families.
• Conduct school system orientations with newly arrived refugee parents.
• Track, monitor and review student's educational progress through the year.
• Maintain close relationship with relevant school staff and assist school staff to problem solve any challenges that come up with refugee students.
• Ensure clients' are able to access school and community resources such as Parent/Teacher conferences, after school activities, and clubs and sports teams.
• Coordinate out of school enrichment and summer activities.
• Find and coordinate volunteer opportunities for youth.
• Provide informational sessions, trainings and appropriate technical information resources to school staff and community at large.
• Assist families to use technology resources for remote and hybrid schooling and tutoring.
• Assist youth in accessing information about post high school educational or job opportunities.
• Pair refugee students with mentors, monitor, and report on mentorship success.
• Coordinate and orient interns, tutors, mentors and other volunteers who serve youth and families.
• Collaborate with other staff on general volunteer recruitment, training, and management.
• Conduct at least one recognition event for students, teachers and volunteers each year.
• Maintain case files documenting services and eligibility for each enrolled child.
• Ensure reporting into the VNIS program
• Attend staff, CWS, ONA and VRSAP training sessions.
• Submit monthly reports to the ONA.
• Engage in the monthly ONA conference calls and help host ONA staff site visits.
• Maintain confidentiality standards



Qualifications




Education: University degree in human services preferred



Experience: The successful candidate must have a minimum of two years of experience in refugee or immigrant related services or similar experience. Experience with the public school system or experience coordinating volunteers preferred.



Competencies:



Communications: Listen carefully to assure clear understanding of instructions and requests. Communicate detailed and/or technical information clearly, in writing and orally. Ask appropriate questions in seeking explanations needed to perform job. Promote "transparency of information" by sharing relevant information with staff and other stakeholders. Understand staff roles and procedures and prepare standard reports to track job progress or activities. Anticipate constituent needs and interests and take proactive steps to respond to them. Understand and is able to use appropriate technology to communicate with others inside and outside CWS. Respect and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information within parameters defined by supervisor and/or CWS policy.


Constituent Relationships: Understand who stakeholders are and be responsive to their needs. Facilitate interactions and serve as a resource in relations with stakeholders. Recognize and be sensitive to issues of concern to stakeholders. Recognize and be sensitive to cultural, ethnic and religious issues.


Job Knowledge: Knows a broad range of information regarding specific program or department and use that knowledge to perform effectively and independently. Applies a depth of knowledge within area of responsibility to implement assigned activities. Able to use and willing to expand learning of applications or technology to perform job duties. Maintain and improve the skills and knowledge needed to be effective in performing job responsibilities. Interpret CWS' policies and procedures for staff and stakeholders, keeping the "human" side in sight.


Leadership: Accept accountability for assigned activities and adapt work style to perform independently or within a team. Model behaviors that are consonant with the mission and values of CWS in work activities and relationships. Demonstrate sound judgment in performing all duties. Recognize and use individual strengths to enhance work performance. Recognize areas of weakness and seek assistance to improve performance. Take initiative within area of responsibility. Facilitate the use of skills and resources within CWS. Contribute ideas for implementing CWS' vision and strategic plan.


Problem Solving: Identify problems in procedures that affect program work and recommend changes in systems or procedures to address them, then implement approved changes. Understand and apply knowledge of the context in which CWS works, including global trends, issues, and the ecumenical movement. Exercise creativity in resolving problems and trying new ways of doing things. Know how and when to apply technical solutions to problems. Share results of problem solving experiences with others. Remain flexible in responding to organizational priorities.


Program Planning and Management: Anticipate work flow and take proactive steps to balance work priorities. Understand the desired outcome of assigned work and how it supports CWS's work. Gather, analyze and make use of information and resources necessary to complete work. Set and communicate deadlines and priorities. Successfully balance multiple activities, in support of program or departmental goals. Manage contacts with internal and external stakeholders to ensure flow of information and coordination of efforts. Verify the accuracy and quality of own work and the work of others. Contribute ideas to effectively implement program plans and activities. Keep other informed of work progress and any problems encountered. Assist others to complete priority work, or step in to handle work in their absence.


Resource Building and Stewardship: Recognize resource building potential in all interactions and be responsive and professional in providing information. Promote CWS's mission, programs and services with stakeholders to assure continued support. Use financial and material resources provided by CWS to their best advantage, including business equipment and supplies. Demonstrate concern for natural resources in carrying out work activities. Make the most of own time and resources to maximize stewardship to CWS. Respect one another and relationships with staff, supervisors and managers. Prepare reports on program status relative to budget and finances.


Teamwork: Understand what a team is and what it does. Demonstrate a willingness to work on a team. Understand own role on the team and how it fits in to the overall results to be produced. Promote effective interactions among team members and facilitate group discussion. Participates in identifying and establishing work needs and time lines for completion. Keep team leader and members informed of work status. Demonstrate awareness of what other teams do and how their work affects own team. Recognize and respect the importance of work performed by colleagues. Understand organizational priorities and is willing to set aside own tasks to assist others to complete high priority tasks.



Benefits



CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- 403 (b) Retirement Plan
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)
- 14 Official Holidays
- 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)
- Life Insurance and AD&D
- Long Term and Short-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Accounts