Client Support & Navigation Specialist

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 one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Overview: 

The Client Support and Navigation Specialist provides comprehensive supportive services to Ukrainian nationals and individuals affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This role requires professional expertise, cultural sensitivity, and a compassionate approach to working with vulnerable populations.

The specialist assists clients in navigating social services, community resources, and program benefits, ensuring they receive timely and accurate support. This includes providing transportation, interpretation, and translation support to strengthen client’s employability prospects and independence. 

They are proactive in conducting outreach, fostering community trust, and promoting equitable access to services. The position requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, and collaboration with community partners, service providers, and internal teams. Ultimately, the Client Support and Navigation Specialist plays a key role in empowering clients to achieve stability, self-sufficiency, and improved well-being in their new community. 

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Coordinate client collaboration and engagement initiatives, supporting the clients having greater and more sustained influence over decisions that impact their lives.
• Coordinate with USS case workers to support clients’ integration and self-sufficiency.
• Help clients navigate online job portals and application processes by providing translation and/or interpretation.
• Establish and maintain relationships with local employers to identify potential job openings or job fairs for clients.
• Coordinate with community partners to provide additional support services such as childcare, transportation, and housing to increase client employability and self-sufficiency prospects.
• Identify refugee led organizations, and other organizations within the service area to expand client referrals and ensure IRC services reach eligible populations.
• Collaborate with workforce and community partners to align services, resolve barriers, and strengthen client pathways to employment
• Provide reception and a welcoming client experience at workforce and job centers, ensuring access to services through interpretation or accessibility support as needed
• Provide transportation and interpretation for clients at job preparation activities, interviews, and job site tours. Coach clients, so they can attend these events independently in the future.
• Develop and cultivate long-term relationships with area employers and staffing agencies to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients.
• Identify and connect clients with appropriate resources, including housing, healthcare, employment, and education.
• Maintain an up-to-date database of community resources and services.
• Assist clients in navigating complex systems to access necessary services.
• Follow up with clients to ensure they successfully connect with and benefit from the resources provided.
• Assist with reporting on program objectives and accomplishments.
• Use personal and insured vehicle to travel and transport clients and materials as needed throughout the service delivery area.
• Maintain case file documentation, including clear and concise case notes.
• Maintain internal tracking systems and data collection.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

Position reports to: Ukrainian Response Supervisor 

Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: IRC Employees and program departments across Sacramento

External: IRC partners and other community agencies

REQUIREMENTS

• An undergraduate degree is preferred in a relevant field of study.
• Minimum 3 years of work experience.
• Demonstrated experience working with refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, and/or immigrant populations required.
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with colleagues and partners in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment, and the ability to present to a varied public required.
• Comfortability collaborating with governmental agencies and community providers.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines required.
• Strong computer skills required. Prior experience using data and tracking systems strongly preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
• Fluency in English, both written and verbal communication skills is required.
• Fluency in Russian or Ukrainian, both written and verbal communication skills is required.
• A valid driver’s license, a reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area are required. 

Working Environment: 

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities. May require weekend and/or evening work.
• This position will work from the IRC office in Sacramento.
• Offices hours are scheduled as Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5pm

Compensation: (Pay Range: $26 - $27) Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

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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 $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 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. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.