Social Work Field Placement Specialist

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, and unaccompanied children, survivors of torture and trafficking, and individuals from local communities welcoming newcomers.

Scope of work:

The Dallas IRC Mental Health Program ensures that refugees and asylees with unique, emergency, and/or long-term needs have the support necessary to integrate into their new communities and become self-sufficient. The Mental Health Program provides free services to refugees and asylum seekers. Mental health service provisions include assessment, intervention, psychosocial support, mental health literacy, counseling, and psychiatry services. A large portion of our service provision are provided by our Social Work Field Practicum students under the clinical supervision of our team. The Social Work Field Placement Specialist will help recruit and place Social Work interns in the Mental Health and Academic Coaching programs as well as provide the required social work supervision to these interns, in conjunction with the Mental Health Coordinator and Supervisor providing the programmatic supervision for the interns. This position will also support our team in building resilience of people forcibly displaced from Afghanistan. Some direct involvement and interaction with clients is required. The Social Work Field Placement Specialist will also support facilitation of wellness groups, as well as staff and community trainings. This position reports to Mental Health Supervisor.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with local and national educational institutions with MSW programs;

• Complete training for Master of Social Work Field placement supervision, as required by educational institution(s)

• Recruit, screen, and interview Master of Social Work students for Field placement

• Complete onboarding procedures with MSW interns to include: IRC Way, Academic Coaching and Mental Health Program Orientations, and office policies

• Submit background check and IT account request for candidates who are accepted

• Act as point person for inquiries from potential Master Social Work Field placement students and college instructors for Mental Health and Salamati Rohi program roll outs;

• Provide Field supervision hours for Master Social Work clinical Field placement students, as required by educational institution, and provide guidance on best practices, self-care, and adjusting to work in an office setting;

• Meet with Social Work instructors to complete Field placement site visits, as needed;

• Coordinate with Master Social Work students to complete necessary Field placement paperwork, including all placement evaluations and hours for practicum required by educational institution;

• (Co)facilitate wellness groups with Safety & Wellness clients;

• Provide resources and trainings to new Master of Social Work Students;

• Facilitate staff/intern trainings, based on expertise, on topics such as trauma-informed care, self-care, Skills for Psychological Recovery, etc.;

• Support Master of Social Work interns in conducting mental health and other screenings;

• Support creation of referral pathways, and standard operating procedures/guidance for the Mental Health Program;

• Ensure compliance with confidentiality and reporting requirements within HIPAA;

• Survey and off boarding procedures

• Other duties as required.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Mental Health Program Supervisor

Position directly supervises: N/A
Other Internal and/or external contacts: HQ Mental Health Technical Adviser, Evidence-based intervention trainers, Mental Health providers

Job Requirements:

• Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) required;
• At least two years of professional social work experience post master’s degree;
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills and the proven ability to prioritize duties and manage time effectively;
• Experience in program oversite, psychosocial support programing, health advocacy, community outreach, and partnership development; teaching/training experience preferred;
• Strong written and oral and interpersonal communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and partners in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment, and the ability to present to a varied public required;
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; Bilingual in Dari or Pashto a plus but not required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook);
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area (home visits, agency visits, service provider visits etc.);
• Well organized and enthusiastic about working in a multi-cultural setting.

Working Environment: Combination of standard office work environment and remote 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 new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

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: 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.

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.