Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Specialist

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

Reporting to the State Grants and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Manager, the RCA Specialist will be responsible for supporting the activities of the RCA program in line with the public/private partnership agreement. Duties will consist of assessment, eligibility determination and enrollment, computation of cash assistance payments, as well as provision and collection of appropriate notices and reports. The position will work closely with internal and external programs including Refugee Support Services, Case Managers, Employment Services, English classes providers, and others as needed, to help clients achieve their self-sufficiency goals.

Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), is a nonprofit serving newcomers seeking safety, support, and a share in the American dream. Since 1939, we have welcomed those seeking refuge, upholding a legacy of compassion and grace for people in crisis. We walk alongside individuals, families, and children as they begin their new lives in the United States through our work in refugee resettlement, welcome and respite services for asylum seekers, economic empowerment and employment, and family unification for unaccompanied children. To date, we have served over 750,000 people from around the globe. Our comprehensive services leverage our extensive organizational expertise as well as government, community, and faith partnerships.

Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including:

• medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment,
• professional development, tuition reimbursement,
• generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays,
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave,
• company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match which vests immediately,
• Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption/foster care assistance, and
• an annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment!

At Global Refuge, welcoming newcomers isn't just our duty-it's an inherent part of our identity, rooted in our Lutheran heritage and inspired values and serving as a testament to our unwavering commitment to those in search of refuge. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

DUTIES

• Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate client-centered, trauma-informed support.
• Understand and adhere to guidelines set forth in the RCA public/private partnership agreement regarding clients' eligibility and enrollment, program length, benefits computation and explanation, report requirements, notices and policies.

• Coordinate with Refugee Support Services providers in region 2 and 3 to ensure appropriate and timely RCA referrals and service provision.

• Create and maintain an active client case file and list on the SharePoint site using State-designed template.

• Collect and maintain appropriate documentation and income information in client's case files and determine client's initial and continued eligibility for cash assistance.

• Maintain regular communication with clients regarding RCA program requirements including but not limited to changes in cash assistance payment, required reports and compliance, and change of address.

• Maintain up-to-date documentation to ensure services are properly documented throughout the client's service period.

• Conduct computation of monthly cash assistance and incentive payments to clients, generate payment requests and transmit payment requests for manager approval and Accounts Payable for payment.

• Track and maintain client's payments (cash assistance, employment retention bonus and English language classes (ELL) attendance incentive) and follow appropriate procedures to ensure recovery of overpayments and correction of underpayments in the RCA program.

• Monitor and track monthly client's compliance to remain eligible for cash assistance, unless where exceptions apply.

• In coordination with the ELL provider, ensure RCA clients maintain a minimum of 60% attendance rate while enrolled in ELL classes unless there is a reasonable cause for exemption.

• Assist in the preparation of Federal and State Required Reports including ORR-6, Annual Outcome Goal Plan, Annual Service Plan, ORR-1 RCA estimate, and quarterly file review reports.

• Coordinate and collaborate with Case Managers, Employment Services, Social Services, and other programs clients are enrolled to facilitate RCA program administration and support path towards client's self-sufficiency.

• Monitor service provision to ensure non-duplication of services with other federally funded programs.

• Manage deadlines ensuring RCA reports, ELL attendance, and client employment and income information are submitted to ensure timely processing of monthly payments.

• Handle problems that arise to ensure compliance with program requirements.

• Provide gender equity services.

• Provide client-centric service and ensure that ORR eligible populations are being served in a linguistically and culturally appropriate manner within the community and provide education and advocacy when necessary.

• Participate in performance-related goal setting and achievement to meet personal, program and organizational objectives and goals.

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in a Social Work, behavioral/human services, data management field or two years of experience in related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience and commitment working with refugees, immigrants, or diverse and limited English population, highly preferred.

• Proficient in the use MS office suite, Word, Outlook, Excel, database and communication Tools.

• Excellent verbal, written and listening communication skills. Must be able to communicate professionally with staff, clients, and external program partners.

• Fluency in one of the ORR eligible population languages is highly preferred including Pashto, Dari, Ukrainian, Russian, Spanish, Arabic, Kinyarwanda, Creole.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret data and generate trend reports.

• Strong attention to detail and well organized, with ability to manage tasks in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines under minimal supervision.

• Excellent problem- solving, decisiveness and good judgment abilities and desire to serve diverse clients. Demonstrate ability to adapt to change and correct any challenges or inefficiencies for the best results.

• Must have reliable transportation, clean driving record, and valid insurance and be able to travel locally as required.

• Cross-cultural or international experience preferred.

• Commitment to Global Refuge's core mission and values and an ability to model those values in relationship with colleagues and partners; commitment to empowering refugees and migrants.

Global Refuge is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment 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. We participate in E-Verify.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities. Global Refuge has been welcoming newcomers since 1939. Learn more at globalrefuge.org.