Project Coordinator, PA Asylee Outreach Project

Posted by on September 26, 2011

[posted 9/14/11]

PROJECT COORDINATOR, PENNSYLVANIA ASYLEE OUTREACH PROJECT
Full Time Grant Funded Position

The Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (“HIAS”) Pennsylvania was founded in 1882 to provide services to Jewish immigrants and refugees fleeing persecution and seeking opportunity by migration to America.  Based on the tradition of “welcoming the stranger,” HIAS Pennsylvania works to resettle, reunite and represent Jewish and all immigrants and refugees of limited means residing in Pennsylvania and the Delaware Valley.  The agency seeks the fair treatment and integration into American society of immigrants from all backgrounds.

HIAS Pennsylvania provides the following programs:
•    Representation and legal counseling before immigration agencies and the courts
•    Resettlement and other support services to assist refugees, immigrants and those granted asylum
•    Citizenship services

Position Summary: HIAS Pennsylvania is seeking an attorney, graduate degree social worker, accredited representative or other qualified individual to coordinate its “Pennsylvania Asylee Outreach Project,” a state-funded program designed to increase asylees’ access to resources that will assist them in becoming self-sufficient. The Asylee Outreach Project (AOP): (1) provides information, referral and case management services to asylees in Pennsylvania connecting them with available resources, and (2) conducts training, advocacy, and self-sufficiency workshops with stakeholder groups to facilitate asylees’ access to services and benefits. (3) Provides legal representation to asylees in applications to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Position Title:        Asylee Outreach Project Coordinator
Reports to:            Executive Director

Responsibilities:

•    Provide information, referral, case assessment and case management services to asylees.
•    Maintain up-to-date information on resources for asylees in Pennsylvania.
•    Intervene on behalf of clients experiencing difficulties in accessing services and benefits.
•    Collaborate with service providers, community organizations and government agencies.
•    Continue and expand outreach activities to stakeholders in eastern Pennsylvania.
•    Organize and facilitate self-sufficiency workshops on various topics including home-ownership, financial literacy, mental health and family reunification, and micro-enterprise or small business.
•    Maintain comprehensive records in client and provider tracking systems.
•    Comply with state financial and program reporting requirements.
•    Conduct project evaluation.
•    Represent clients in applications to USCIS for adjustment of status, Employment Authorization Documents, and replacement of I-94 documents
•    Assist clients in troubleshooting delays to applications for adjustment of status and asylee relative petitions pending abroad at U.S. Embassies and Consulates
•    Assist asylees in obtaining/replacing necessary status documentation and identification

Skills/Qualifications:

•    Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations.
•    Knowledge of immigration processing issues.
•    Knowledge of refugee resettlement programs.
•    Accredited representatives with two years experience, M.S.W.; or B.S.W. with five years experience; or equivalent education and experience.  Recent law graduates/J.D degree if interested in non-traditional position.
•    Excellent organizational and planning skills.
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills.
•    Computer literate, with knowledge of Microsoft Access.
•    Fluency in a foreign language, such as French, Spanish, Indonesian, or Arabic.
•    Grant-writing experience desirable.

Application:    Please send resume with cover letter to:

Judith Bernstein-Baker, M.S.W., Esq., jbernsteinbaker@hiaspa.org
No phone calls at this time, please.