Crisis and Safety Coordinator

IRC Background:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is at work in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. IRC reaches over 50,000 clients annually across the US through programs for resettled refugees, asylum seekers, unaccompanied children, survivors of torture and trafficking, and individuals from local communities welcoming newcomers.

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Job Overview:

The IRC is establishing an initiative to improve the adjustment and resilience of people forcibly displaced from Afghanistan and new to the community. The Mental Health Program Coordinator will serve three main functions:

• ​Provide specialized and intensive support as needed to IRC clients who may be experiencing a mental health or safety concern
• Supervise a Psychosocial Support Worker who will be providing an identified evidence-based intervention with individuals and families in the Afghan community
• Build the capacity of internal and external stakeholders as it relates to supporting the mental health, adjustment, and resilience of newly arrived refugees

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Major Responsibilities:

• **​**Serve as the point person for the office in implementation of crisis and non-crisis pathway interventions for clients experiencing behavioral health concerns, interpersonal violence, substance use disorders and other related mental health issues
• Ensure follow-up care for clients of concern
• Work with the local office and IRC national leadership to develop or refine mental health and crisis related protocols
• As needed support or provide intake and assessment to individuals and families
• Supervise and build the capacity of Psychosocial Support Workers to ensure they can perform their job duties effectively and deliver quality services
• Provide training and guidance to IRC staff on behavioral health and trauma-informed practice
• Enhance and sustain partnerships with community mental health agencies to expand available resources to clients
• Document activities through case noting and data entry
• Monitor program activity and quality through oversight and support related to case documentation
• Evaluate effectiveness of program related to client progress and individual service plan objectives
• Monitor data quality and track program data
• Generate accurate and timely reports
• Complete established training and participate in weekly consultation.
• Follow all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency
• Other duties as assigned

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Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Clinical Manager
Position directly supervises: Mental Health Program Specialist
Other Internal and/or external contacts: Mental Health Technical Adviser, Evidence-based intervention trainers, mental health providers and systems

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Job Requirements:

Language Skills:

• Fluency in English
• Bilingual in another language desired but not required

Work Experience:

• Three years of progressively responsible experience in the mental health/social services sector

Education:

• *​*Masters’ degree with a focus on mental health or social services required.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• *​*Experience in assessing and responding to mental health concerns including suicidal ideation and substance abuse
• Experience in assessing and responding to safety concerns including those related to abuse, neglect, exploitation and other issues related to interpersonal violence
• At least three years of meaningful work experience in therapy, social work or related field
• Experience in providing training, coaching, and/or supervision
• Knowledge of the mental health and social service system in the geographic area
• Experience working with refugees and immigrants strongly preferred; lived experience as a refugee or immigrant highly valued
• Strong understanding of trauma informed care and commitment to client centered, strengths based, and culturally appropriate services
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Highly organized with excellent problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to multi-task, prioritize duties and manage time effectively
• High level of energy, motivation, and dedication to continuously improve service delivery
• Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively across lines of difference with respect to race, gender, ethnicity, language, religion and age
• Ability to follow strict guidelines of client confidentiality and safeguarding
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with data-tracking systems

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Working Environment:

• Standard, professional office environment combined with community-based work. At times this position may also be remote depending on the COVID-19 context.

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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.

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Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. 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. The IRC and IRC employees must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

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 $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), 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.