United States of America: Host Family Network Liaison

Program & Job Overview: Through a formal partnership with Safe Harbors Network (SHN), IRC San Diego supports Asylum Seekers and Families (ASF) clients with housing. SHN is a coalition of individuals, congregations and organizations who support refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants. The purpose of SHN is to connect these vulnerable populations with community members and institutions who are willing to provide safe shelter and basic needs for a defined time. SHN recruits, vets, and maintains ongoing communication with potential host families or institutions where IRC clients can be placed. The IRC and SHN work together to provide donated temporary housing support for asylum seeking individuals and families who are enrolled in IRC’s comprehensive case management program.

IRC seeks a Host Family Network Liaison to leverage and expand the partnership with SHN over a course of approximately ten months. The liaison will act as the IRC focal point for SHN, maintain ongoing communication and coordination, including addressing cases of concern and opportunities for partnership growth. The liaison will develop procedures for proper vetting and onboarding of host families, safety protocols, and standard agreements to be put in place between incoming host families, SHN and clients enrolled in IRC ASF services; the liaison is responsible for training SHN in the adequate use of the protocols and agreements. The Host Family Network Liaison reports to IRC’s Technical Advisor for Cross Border.

Major Responsibilities:

• Maintain ongoing communication and coordination with the SHN team, acting as their IRC focal point and addressing any needs, concerns and opportunities for partnership expansion.
• Develop the following materials to advance the protection of ASF clients and fully train SHN staff on their proper execution:
  • Standard Operating Procedure for vetting and onboarding host families;
  • Safety Protocols;
  • Agreement of rights and responsibilities between SHN and Host Family;
  • Agreement of rights and responsibilities between Host Family, ASF Guest Client Agreement and IRC Caseworker
• Establish a feedback tool/mechanism to asses and measure impact on ASF guest clients during and after their placement.
• Continually assess ongoing changes in behavior of host families and/or ASF clients as well as changes in the general housing conditions that could impact the safety of clients. Propose interventions based on these changes.
• Contribute to a Frequently Asked Questions document for host families.
• Maintain regular communication and coordination with ASF Case Management team.

Job Requirements:

• 4-year college degree in relevant field required. Master’s degree in relevant field preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of progressive and related experience within the context of programs, policy and advocacy for the rights and protection of refugees, asylum seekers, displaced persons and vulnerable people on the move.
• In-depth knowledge of trauma informed safety and security principles developed through direct service provision, program development, and/or advocacy in the U.S./Mexico border context, ideally with a special focus on the San Diego region.
• Ideally experience developing frameworks for hosting / sponsoring newcomers.
• Demonstrated success working with vulnerable populations who have experienced trauma.
• Expert communication skills (written and verbal) with a demonstrated ability to synthesize complex materials and technical topics into training material, as well as experience facilitating training and coaching.
• Practical experience in providing thought leadership, analytical thinking, and translating ideas into long- and short-term organizational strategy.
• Pro-active self-starter that is able to develop and complete work plans independently in a complex, dynamic environment.
• Highly proficient in English and ideally a second language (Ukrainian, Russian, Haitian Creole, Spanish preferred).
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines.

Working Environment:**

• Standard, professional office environment;
• This position will work both from the IRC office in City Heights and El Cajon;
• During pandemic: Some at home work with reliable internet. Non-pandemic: Standard, professional office environment;
• Offices hours are scheduled as Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5pm; some evening and weekend events required;
• Regular travel to off-site locations is required;
• Access to a reliable vehicle to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

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The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. 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.

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.

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 $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), 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.

How to apply

Please apply on our website:

https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/34875?c=rescue