Project Coordinator, Social Services, National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) - National Immigrant Justice Center

Summary:

The National Immigrant Justice Center's Project Coordinator reports to the Associate Director of Detention and is responsible for coordinating referrals and linkages to social services to support NIJC clients. The Coordinator's role supports NIJC clients by connecting them with social service programs and developing release plans to present to the court specifically for detained individual seeking to be integrated into the community. This role additionally ensures quality of data reporting and project performance outcomes, including increasing the roster of social services available for NIJC's clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Identifies resources for NIJC clients in need of social services, and coordinates services.
• Identifies services, including housing, food, mental health, physical health, and/or substance use providers, etc. who may provide services to NIJC clients.
• Works with community resources and organizations to coordinate services.
• Identifies client eligibility for government programs, and provides support in securing services.
• Creates materials to share with NIJC staff regarding services available for NIJC clients..
• Develops release plans for submission to immigration authorities and/or the court in cases involving detained individuals.
• Facilitates client outreach, engagement, linkage, referrals, coordination, and follow up for mental health, physical health, and substance use services and supports.
• Identifies gaps in care for clients and arranges appropriate and timely resolution with external agencies.
• Documents in database client eligibility and referrals
• Ensure careful tracking of case referrals and maintain case files for matters included in this project
• Compile data and draft reports for funders and other stakeholders
• Serve as the external representative to community partners

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have experience working with and within immigrant communities, will have working knowledge of the challenges and limitations in accessing social and public services, and have a high level of cultural competence. The Coordinator must be able to respond to emergencies, work well with a variety of stakeholders, be highly organized, enthusiastic and committed to immigrant rights. To perform this job successfully, the ideal candidate must be able to perform each essential duty. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The ideal candidate is a mature professional who can work independently and take initiative in response to tight deadlines and emerging opportunities. The ideal candidate needs to be able to identify/anticipate emerging opportunities or issues. The ideal candidate pays attention to detail, knows how to prioritize his/her work, has strong organizational skills, maintains confidentiality, thrives in a fast-paced and demanding environment, and is open to change.

• Education and/or Experience: Bachelor's degree required.. Minimum of two years of experience in human rights, human services, social services, and/or immigration legal services work required, with a preference for candidates with prior case management, social work or social service coordination experience.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English; fluency in a second language, especially Spanish, is preferred but not required. Ability to communicate articulately with internal and external audiences. A strong record of cultural competence and cross-cultural communication skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated competency in public speaking and strong interpersonal skills required.
• Computer Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office and other software routinely used by Heartland Alliance.
• Other Skills: Ability to: assimilate and convey messages on a variety of issues relating to immigration in a succinct and compelling way and tailored to different audiences; relate to a diverse clients and legal projects; work with a diverse team of social service providers and advocate on behalf of clients; create a network of resources and contacts within different geographical areas; be goal-oriented and multi-task; have a diplomatic presence; develop and maintain good working relationships with a wide variety of legal entities; communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; use hands to handle or feel and reach with hands and arms.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. This position is hybrid with a combination of office and remote work.

NIJC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.