Refugee Community Support Specialist

Requisition # : req13525

Location: Pittsburgh, PA

Hours: Full-time (40-hours/week)

Bethany is changing the world through family. We began our work by serving one child more than 75 years ago. Today, Bethany is an international Christian nonprofit partnering with communities in more than 30 states and in several countries around the world. We strengthen and preserve families, support displaced people fleeing danger, and find safe, loving families for children who need them. Bethany is at the forefront of creating and implementing solutions to meet the growing needs of vulnerable children and families in the U.S. and around the world.

This position is housed within a specialized program within Bethany providing mental health and holistic, strength-based trauma informed case management and therapeutic services to Afghan individuals and families who have been impacted by combat. The Community Support Specialist is primarily responsible for facilitating the peer support groups, educational sessions and assisting in provision of case management to program participants. This position works in close collaboration with the program therapist and case management coordinator in relation to major job functionality.

The Community Support Specialist will also work to conduct outreach to the Afghan community and provide training and guidance to service providers to improve the experiences of Afghans seeking care.

This position is expected to function effectively with moderate supervision while following the guidelines given on procedures, along with agency, federal, and state regulatory requirements.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Conduct bi-weekly peer support groups and record the information accurately while effectively collaborating with the therapist;
• Facilitate educational sessions and community events, to include preparation, coordination, and data input into the respective system;
• Assist with recommendation for service and wellness plans in collaboration with the program therapist and case management team;
• Assist with the pre and post outcome measurements in collaboration with program therapist;
• Collaborate with the case management team for referral follow-up and opportunities;
• Maintain up-to-date client notes in the case management platform;
• Participate in biweekly team coordination meetings to discuss cases, get and provide recommendations
• Conduct outreach to Afghan community to enhance knowledge of and access to services
• Maintain a current awareness of resources and support services in the local communities;
• Conduct trainings and consultations for service providers and community partners
• Attend internal and external trainings, and apply newly gained knowledge on the job;
• Complete other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent;
• Bachelor’s Degree preferred;
• Two (2) years of relevant experience, three (3) years preferred;
• Bi-lingual required (Dari and/or Pashto) and fluent in English;
• Prior experience with teaching, training, or group facilitation preferred;
• Prior experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations preferred;
• Demonstrated conflict resolution and individual engagement skills;
• Ability to work independently and exercise a high level of confidentiality
• Computer skills sufficient to perform essential functions including knowledge of Microsoft Office suite;
• Must be 21 years old with a valid driver’s license with at least 3 years driving experience in the U.S. to operate a vehicle on behalf of Bethany. Must also pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check and maintain a reliable vehicle with proof of adequate insurance coverage;
• Pass a criminal history screen, including state and local child protection agency registries;
• Subscription to and integration of the agency Statement of Faith and Mission Statement.