Refugee Services Coordinator (Ukraine response)

BACKGROUND

Since 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers life-saving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster.

The International Rescue Committee UK is part of the IRC global network, which is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through over 20 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC also helps refugees resettle in the US and become self-sufficient.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC UK

IRC UK were established in London in 1997 to support the organisation’s global activities and particularly to diversify its donor base and be able to better advocate with European policy-makers on behalf of the people we serve. Since its establishment IRC UK has grown rapidly and is now acknowledged for its high-quality project management, technical expertise in governance and rights and economic recovery, and innovative thinking on early recovery and gender-based violence. IRC UK comprises approximately 160 staff. The IRC UK launched its first programme in the UK last year, working in partnership with local councils, to provide integration support to resettled refugees in Southeast England and has since expanded to providing education support to teachers and is now responding to arrivals from Ukraine across England.

The Purpose of the Role

The Refugee Services Coordinator will oversee the service provision for new arrivals from Ukraine with the goal of providing accurate information and individualized referrals to support refugees in attaining self-reliance. In addition to supervising staff and working directly with clients, this position will be responsible for maintaining up to date knowledge of all safeguarding guidelines and compliance and developing formal partnerships to ensure clients receive a holistic set of services.

Key Working Relationships:

Position supervises 2x Client and Community Outreach Officers. Reports to Head of UK Programmes. Position works closely with the Partnerships Manager, RISE Integration Officers and Refugee Employment Specialists.

Key Accountabilities:

Refugee Service Provision

•  Identify ways to address barriers to safety and wellness for especially vulnerable arrivals from Ukraine such as to single-headed refugee households; survivors of domestic violence and gender-based violence; older refugees; refugees experiencing mental health or psychological difficulties; refugees with physical disabilities or medical conditions; and refugees who identify as LGBTQIA+;
• Supervise the provision of Orientation for Newcomers group sessions virtually and in person on everyday life in the UK for new arrivals predominately from Ukraine;
• Support the outreach, recruitment, screening and enrolment of participants for project activities;
• Assist especially vulnerable cases in navigating specialist services and provide one on one support as needed;
• Support Client and Community Outreach Officers with referral and care coordination for clients and ensure proper documentation of services;
• Ensure gender mainstreaming and GEDI considerations to ensure accessibility of programming to a diverse client group;
• Maintain up to date knowledge of all local safeguarding guidelines and ensure program compliance.

Partnership Development

• Oversee the partner mapping process and outreach strategy in order to identify and outreach to services and resources that enable clients to meet their short and long-term goals and facilitate external referrals;
• Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with local service providers, diaspora groups, legal aid organisations and community organizations, including attending coordination meetings responding to the needs of Ukrainian arrivals;

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Monitor client progress, and ensure tracking of program enrollments, services, and outcomes as required by the program;
• Lead reporting on project activities including ensure tracking of program enrollments, client data and assessments;
• Oversee client and partner feedback collection, regularly reviewing feedback in order to assess programming needs and responsiveness and to make programme adjustments.