Program Specialist

Program Specialist (Youth Mentor/Older Refugees)

The Program Specialist (Youth Mentor/Older Refugees) will support grant activities for Older Refugee and Youth Mentoring grants. This position will work with refugee youth between the ages of 15 and 24 and older refugees aged 60 or above. This position will provide both youth and older refugees with case management and opportunities to engage in enrichment activities. Other duties include providing classes to older refugees, hosting enrichment activities for both grants, and assisting with the coordination of the youth mentoring program. This position may require evening and weekend hours to coordinate enrichment activities and mentor matches.

CSS is a Catholic human and social services agency and behavioral health care provider that welcomes people of all faiths through its programs and employment. We provide help for our Alaskan neighbors through a variety of supportive service programs, including emergency shelter, food stability, housing, case management, and refugee assistance. CSS empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, CSS is a nationally accredited organization through the Council on Accreditation (COA), which recognizes that CSS provides high quality services that meet best practice standards in the social service field.

Mission: To promote the physical, spiritual and mental welfare of persons in need in the community. This mission is achieved by:

• Offering charitable assistance to those in need, especially persons who are poor
• Developing and conducting programs to strengthen and support families and the dignity of the human spirit
• Administering the Corporal Works of Mercy and Gospel of Jesus Christ as defined by the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church and envisioned by the traditional concepts of Catholic Social Teaching and Action through the laity
• And advocating for social justice for the common good of all

Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS) provides a bridge for refugees (individuals who have had to flee their countries of origin due to the tragedies of persecution and war) and other new arrivals from their former life experiences to the new skills required for success in the United States. Through a focus on economic self-sufficiency, community integration, and a respect for unique cultures, history and traditions, RAIS creates an environment of compassion and encouragement for refugees to flourish.

Required Competencies:

• Must be able to maintain program/guest/agency confidentiality and professional boundaries while treating each individual with dignity and respect.
• Highly organized with keen attention to detail.
• Self-motivated and directed with the ability to work alone or as part of a team.
• Works well within a rapidly changing environment. Supports group decisions and puts group goals ahead of personal goals.
• Communicates openly and honestly.
• Deals with difficult and adverse events while maintaining professionalism.
• Responds appropriately in the face of tension, emotion, and resistance and seeks support from others when necessary. Demonstrated leadership, dependability, maturity, creativity, discretion, initiative, and flexibility.
• Ability and desire to work with a variety of people to carry out the mission and purpose of the program.
• Knowledge:
• Knowledge of working with people from different cultures.
• Knowledge of public benefits.
• Knowledge of volunteer coordination
• Knowledge of working within confines of grant budgets
• Skill:
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient in basic office applications such as Word, Excel, etc.
• Familiarity with computers, internet and experience with e-mail required.
• Ability to write grant and program reports.
• Ability to gather information and assess client situation rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to write clear, grammatically correct log notes, spell, and alphabetize.
• Ability to complete paperwork thoroughly and accurately.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Problem solving.
• Willingness to learn.
• Discretion, flexibility, and organizational ability sufficient to fulfill position responsibility with minimum supervision.
• Ability to relate to other employees, program participants and the public.

Responsibilities:

• Assist with recruitment, training, and support of volunteer youth mentors.
• Help facilitate matches between eligible refugee youth and mentors.
• Support check-ins with volunteers, youth, and older refugees as assigned.
• Provide case management to youth and older refugees enrolled in the program and develop individualized plans to assist each client in reaching their goals.
• Assist with coordination of higher education, job training, and senior services opportunities.
• Support clients in accessing resources such as benefits, transportation, and citizenship services.
• Develop and implement enrichment activities for both older refugees and youth.
• Assist in troubleshooting barriers so clients can participate in program activities.
• Track progress toward program outcomes and assist with reports as directed.
• Complete documentation of all client and volunteer interactions thoroughly, accurately, and timely.
• Maintain client confidentiality and handle sensitive personal information appropriately.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Minimum Education Requirement: High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum Experience Qualifications: One (1) year of experience working case management or similar role in a human services or direct services.
• A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered.

Work Environment:

• Physical demands: Work is performed in a standard indoor office environment. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Frequently sitting or standing at a desk for several hours at a time.
• Travel: Frequent travel within Anchorage is required. Occasional travel to Wasilla office.
• Location: 4600 Debarr Road, Anchorage, AK.