Program Associate, Pre-Arrival

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS seeks a Program Associate, Pre-Arrival to work closely with State Department’s Refugee Processing Center (RPC), HIAS affiliates across the country, Resettlement Support Centers (RSC), International Organization for Migration (IOM), U.S. national Resettlement Agencies (RAs) and other stakeholders to bring to the United States refugees approved for admission. This position is involved in all aspects of pre-arrival case processing, which may include facilitation of case placement and assurance, and case transfers.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Performs all functions necessary for processing of refugee cases through the IRIS computer system, including receipt of information from and transmission to Refugee Processing Center (RPC), placement and assurance of cases, monitoring of deadlines, etc.
• Refers refugee bio-data information to local affiliates for assurance; maintains communications with affiliates to ensure that they provide acceptance in a timely fashion; completes assurance process through IRIS computer system and transmits assurances to RPC in accordance with timeframes set by PRM and the RPC; requests waivers of assurance deadlines in extraordinary circumstances when an assurance cannot be provided in the required timeframe.
• Processes transfers between HIAS and other national voluntary agencies; communicates with other agencies and RPC to ensure that transfers are processed accurately and within allowable timeframes.
• Provides all relevant information and documentation on specific refugees.
• Receives, reviews and provides feedback as necessary on Refugee Information Forms (RIFs) prepared for Lautenberg cases; completes data entry into IRIS database as needed; uploads completed and approved RIFs to the Refugee Processing Center (RPC) or Resettlement Support Center (RSC) as appropriate; facilitates timely processing of RIFs through communication with affiliates, RPC and RSCs.
• Provides information and guidance to affiliates on all pre-arrival aspects of the refugee program.
• Responds to and logs inquiries from U.S.-based anchor relatives of potential overseas refugee applicants.
• Provides answers to R&P inquiries from U.S. Ties, clients and general public.
• Provides support for other pre- and post-arrival functions, as needed.
• Provides training to HIAS network as needed.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree required.
• 1-2 years of relevant experience.
• Knowledge of U.S. Refugee Program required; previous work experience at a resettlement affiliate strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 platform, including SharePoint and MS Teams, preferred; proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint and Word is essential.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to maintain key relationships with program staff at HIAS affiliates and other national voluntary agencies.
• Well-organized and detail-oriented; ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Attentive to detail; self-starter able to manage and carry out varied functions of multi-faceted program.
• Travel, to include travel to insecure operating environments, may be required.

HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a HIAS recruiter.

Step 3: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Video interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Online reference check with SkillSurvey.

Step 6: Offer and background check with Shield Screening or HireRight.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • Hachnasat Orchim

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • Tzedek

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • Chesed

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • Chevruta

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • Ometz

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • Ruach

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.