Benefits Specialist

IRC Background:

Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through 26 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC helps refugees resettle and become self-sufficient. Our programs are designed to ensure refugees thrive in America–whether ensuring children are enrolled in school, adults become self-reliant through employment or starting businesses, or families receive acute medical care they need to recover from trauma or illness. The IRC helps those in need to rebuild their lives and regain control of their future in their new home community.

Job Overview/Summary

The Benefits Specialist will provide comprehensive services and conduct activities related to Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) programs, funded by the Kentucky Office for Refugees. The person in this role will represent the IRC and collaborate and coordinate closely with KOR, other implementing agencies, local stakeholders and service providers.

Major Responsibilities

Refugee, Parolee, Entrants services

• Provide comprehensive and required services to IRC clients enrolling and enrolled in Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA).
• Review RCA applications for accuracy and make eligibility determinations, ensuring non-duplication of services
• Prepare all enrollment documents and conduct enrollment meetings, ensuring clients understand their rights and responsibilities.
• Conduct monthly redetermination meetings, to track and plan participation in employment services for the purpose of determining continued eligibility.
• Prepare the enrollment package on behalf of IRC clients.
• Prepare and disseminate case closure documentation according to policies.
• Maintain meticulous documentation and ensure that all deliverables are submitted to KOR on time and in compliance with the policies and procedures.
• Support benefits enrollment for other programs as directed by the Resettlement Manager.

Coordination

• Attend all KOR-scheduled meetings to coordinate with key stakeholders, Quarterly Forums, training events and collaboration meetings.
• Actively engage with donor and other stakeholders to develop policy and processes, identify ways to improve programs and provide feedback.
• Communicate resettlement trends, including spikes in scheduled arrivals, to KOR and other providers on a regular basis.
• Remain current on topics and the context in which RCA benefits are processed, accessed and used, including the Code of Federal Regulations that relate to each of the benefits available through the Kansas CMA Benefits Program.

Job Overview:

The Benefit Specialist will work with the refugee sponsors including the Kentucky Office for Refugees (KOR) and refugee communities to improve access to public assistance in the State of Kentucky. The Specialist will provide capacity building sessions that help refugees prepare and submit applications for RCA benefits. This position is responsible for regular check-ins and maintaining relationship with the refugee sponsors and communities.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Resettlement Manager

Indirect Reporting: Finance Manager

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Health and Benefits Coordinator**,** Housing team, Caseworkers, and Quality Assurance teams, Employment team; Operations team; Finance team; other IRC Louisville Program Teams

External:

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study preferred.

Job Requirements:

• Working knowledge of public assistance programs in KY
• Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred
• In lieu of lived experience, experience working with refugees and/or immigrants
• Minimum 1 year of experience working in refugee resettlement with demonstrated understanding of Department of State Refugee Reception and Placement program requirements
• Demonstrated experience working with the resettlement and refugee organizations
• A working knowledge of financial management and federal grant compliance knowledge and ability
• English proficiency, both spoken and written, and proficiency in Ukrainian is required ​
• Ability to document sponsor family and refugee community interactions and services provided and maintain updated and accurate documentation
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, comfort learning and working with other technical systems
• Effective time management skills and ability to focus and work productively in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member in a multi-cultural environment
• Valid driver’s license: access to reliable transportation and required insurance to travel throughout the service delivery area
• Committed to anti-racism and continual learning and growth; values a culture of diversity, equality, and inclusion.

Working Environment: ​**

• Standard, professional office environment; hybrid remote, office, and field work
• May require occasional weekend and /or evening work

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: IRC is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our organization. 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 $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, 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.

IRC- leading the way from harm to home

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law