Knoxville Openings
Case Manager
Job Description:
The Case Manager will be in charge of providing a warm welcome to refugees upon their arrival in the US, making sure that every client understands his/her roles and responsibilities as well as the programs they are enrolled in. This person will work to empower clients to navigate the American System – a prerequisite for becoming self-sufficient and integrated in their new community. In their first days, refugees should understand that learning English, finding employment and community engagement are three pillars of successful refugee integration. Building trust and professional relationships with refugees are key to success in this position.
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Welcome new refugees at the airport.
• Develop Self-Sufficiency Plans with clients, assisting them to develop realistic goals for their resettlement period.
• Maintain detailed and timely case notes and financial logs in compliance with Bridge’s grants agreements.
• Facilitate and supervise cultural orientation sessions for new refugees.
• Educate refugees about their rights and responsibilities as new Knoxville residents.
• Assist refugees to enroll in English classes.
• Communicate regularly with the Department of Human Services (DHS), Social Security office, healthcare facilities, and other social service agencies.
• Assist the Volunteer Manager with recording volunteer time and donations for Bridge’s programs.
• Maintain communication with clients and resolve conflicts through appropriate interventions.
• Orient clients to community resources.
• Perform other responsibilities as requested by the Program Manager.
Required Skills/Abilities:
• Bachelors degree in Social Work, Human Services, International Studies, or a related field.
• Fluency in the English language.
• Experience in a social or human services environment, or significant cross-cultural experience.
• Candidates who speak Arabic, Dari, Spanish, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, or Ukrainian are encouraged to apply.
• Preference for candidates who have case management or related social services experience.
• Passion for serving and empowering refugees.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Google Suite preferred.
• Ability to work well with a team.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks.
•Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Candidate should have a valid TN driver’s license and transportation.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
• Ability to frequently sit for lengthy periods of time and ability to lift to 40 lbs.
Supervisor:
Program Manager
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to Monica Harris at mharris@bridgerefugees.org. Only pre-selected candidates will be invited for an interview.
VISTA – Refugee Youth Mentoring Program
Job Description:
Help support refugee communities! The Tennessee Office for Refugees (TOR) is seeking a VISTA member to coordinate a Refugee Youth Mentoring Program focused on increasing educational and vocational opportunities for refugee youth and young adults ages 15 – 24 years old.
This position is based with Bridge Refugee Services in Knoxville, TN and is a unique opportunity for an individual to develop leadership, program development and management, and community relations skills within the context of a refugee resettlement organization – offering an opportunity to gain knowledge of and contribute to a continuum of resettlement services.
The Refugee Youth Mentoring Program Coordinator VISTA will gain valuable skills in program management. The VISTA member will develop, implement, and sustain the facilitation of mentoring matches in the areas of participant recruitment, screening, mentor training, and match supervision – expanding the scope of supportive services available to refugee youth in Knoxville, TN.
The VISTA member will collaborate with a cohort of VISTA members serving in the same capacity with partner agencies in Chattanooga, Memphis, and Nashville – meeting regularly with a Statewide Coordinator to develop best practices, participate in trainings, and troubleshoot complex issues.
The VISTA member will develop and implement an outreach plan to build the Refugee Youth Mentoring Program’s effectiveness, efficiency, and scope – increasing the capacity of local refugee service networks by strengthening and expanding partnerships with key stakeholders.
Additionally, the VISTA member will grow analytical and critical thinking skills while researching and developing programmatic best practices; developing data collection and program analysis processes; and pursuing available grant resources to ensure program sustainability.
The ideal VISTA candidate is a self-starter who works well both independently and part of a team; can facilitate intercultural communication; exercise good judgment, courtesy, and thoughtfulness when dealing with the public and staff; handle confidential information with professionalism; pay attention to detail and adhere to deadlines; set priorities in a dynamic work environment; follow tasks through to completion; clearly communicate written and verbally; and has basic computer proficiency. Eagerness to learn about refugees, mentoring, and all aspects of nonprofit program management and development are a must. Foreign language proficiency in a refugee language and significant intercultural experience is a plus.
Terms of Service: VISTA service is a full-time, one-year commitment. VISTA members must be at least 18 years old; United States citizens, nationals, or legal residents; and successfully complete a criminal background check. VISTA members must hold at least a bachelor’s degree. Political advocacy, organizing or demonstration while on VISTA duty, or while perceived to be on duty, is prohibited. Telework in line with VISTA guidance is an option. While public transportation is available, a car is recommended.
Benefits: VISTA service includes health coverage, a relocation allowance (if moving 50+ miles from your home), childcare subsidy, professional development opportunities, registration for the National Mentoring Summit, and a bi-weekly living allowance. At the completion of VISTA service, members can choose between a Segal Education Award (approximately $6,000) or cash stipend (approximately $1,800).
Availability: The position start date is 11/06/2023. Apply for VISTA service and find this position listing here. For more information, please email Molly Sullivan at msullivan@cctenn.org.
Chattanooga Openings
Case Manager
Job Description:
The Case Manager will be responsible for delivering core resettlement services and offering guidance to refugee population on their path to achieving self-sufficiency.
Duties/Responsibilities:
• Coordinate apartment set up for arriving refugees. This may include moving furniture and household goods into the apartment.
• Develop Self-Sufficiency Plans with clients, assisting them to develop realistic goals for their resettlement period.
• Maintain detailed and timely case notes and financial logs in compliance with Bridge’s grants agreements.
• Facilitate and supervise cultural orientation sessions for new refugees.
• Educate refugees about their rights and responsibilities.
• Assist refugees to enroll in English classes.
• Communicate regularly with the Department of Human Services (DHS), Social Security office, healthcare facilities, and other social service agencies.
• Assist the Volunteer Manager with recording volunteer time and donations for Bridge’s programs.
• Maintain communication with clients and resolve conflicts through appropriate interventions.
• Orient clients to community resources.
• Perform other responsibilities as requested by the Associate Director.
Required Skills/Abilities:
• Bachelors degree in Social Work, Human Services, International Studies, or a related field.
• Fluency in the English language.
• Preference for candidates who speak Arabic and/or Spanish.
• Cross-cultural experience and ability to work with multi- cultural clients.
• Passion for serving and empowering refugees.
• Strong communication and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to work well with a team.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
•Ability and willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends.
• Candidate should have a valid TN driver’s license and transportation.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
• Ability to frequently sit for lengthy periods of time and ability to lift to 40 lbs.
Supervisor:
Associate Director
How to Apply:
Please send a cover letter, résumé, and three professional references to Marina Peshterianu at mpeshterianu@bridgerefugees.org. Only pre-selected candidates will be invited for an interview.