Social Service Coordinator

Company: KIND
Location: Fresno
Posted on: January 13, 2021

Job Description:

About KIND Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) is a global leader in the protection of unaccompanied refugee and migrant children. Launched in 2008, KIND champions a world in which every child's rights and well-being are protected throughout their journey to safety. KIND has provided over 19,000 children with high quality representation in their immigration proceedings by training more than 41,000 attorneys and cultivating partnerships with over 600 law firms, corporate legal departments, law schools, and bar associations across the country. KIND's social services program ensures that migrant and refugee children - who have often endured trauma - receive counseling, educational support, medical care and other comprehensive services. To address the root causes of child migration from Central America and strengthen protection of unaccompanied children, KIND advocates for policy changes and educates lawmakers, the media, and the broader public on the conditions that drive these children to flee their home countries. KIND supports children returning to their home countries by connecting them to essential support services and sponsors gender-based violence prevention programs in Central America to protect children in countries of origin and transit. KIND is also building upon its expertise in the protection of unaccompanied children to encourage the development of pro bono initiatives across Europe in partnership with European NGOs. Position Description: KIND seeks a Social Services Coordinator will be responsible for working with KIND's child clients and their families to identify needs and gaps in services, and assist families in accessing services related to education, health, mental health, housing, mediation, childcare, and more. In addition, the Social Services Coordinator will provide leadership in establishing and sustaining relationships with local and state social services partners. The Social Services Coordinator will work with clients living in the field office service area and may support clients living in additional geographical areas as needed. The ideal candidate will have experience working with and within immigrant communities in the US, will have substantive knowledge of the challenges and limitations in accessing public services. In addition to strong linguistic competency and fluency in Spanish and/or other languages, the Social Services Coordinator will have a high level of intercultural responsiveness, sensitivity and awareness; and cross-cultural communication skills. Essential Functions: Responsibilities of the Social Services Coordinator will include, but will not be limited to, the following: Develop and maintain a knowledge base of social services available to clients in assigned work areas. Develop relationships with community coalitions in areas of high client concentration. Establish working relationships and partnerships with local service providers and administrators in each service area to enhance the referral process. Conduct assessments of referred clients, including the larger context in which the child is living, identifying needs, barriers and safety concerns. Track and distribute various donations given to the office to clients in need. Maintain documentation regarding attempts to access services, and service delivery. Track and report client data, outreach actions and outcomes, and general information for program evaluation, performance quality, and development purposes. Complete referrals to services, assist families in completing intake requirements for these services and follow up as necessary. Assist KIND legal staff on working with families in crisis and transition. Work with other KIND Social Services Coordinators nationally to develop best practices, protocols, and provide training and support on relevant topics for KIND staff. Conduct trainings to support pro bono attorneys. Conduct trainings for community social providers. Work closely with other legal services providers, law firms, corporations, and law schools in Maryland to identify and support resource-sharing amongst these partner agencies. Qualifications and Requirements: Master's degree in Social Work or advanced degree in related field, preferably in social work, or counseling. Bachelor's degree in social work or related field plus 3 years of relevant work experience in areas of increased responsibility will be considered on a case-by-case basis in lieu of advanced degree. Advanced fluency in English and Spanish, spoken and written, required. Two to three years of experience working with children, preferably unaccompanied minors, immigrant and refugee children, or experience working with survivors of abuse, human trafficking, and/or other trauma. Ability to work collaboratively, and preferably, prior experience working with attorneys, law firms, an/or other legal service providers. A strong record of intercultural responsiveness, sensitivity and awareness, and cross-cultural communication skills. Experience working with a diverse team of social service providers and advocating on behalf of clients. Ability to verbalize and implement therapeutic-focused strategies for children/families. Ability to effectively conduct trainings to diverse audiences in person and virtually, including attorney trainings and diverse presentations for child clients. Familiarity or ability to work with adult immigrant caretakers, or training in trauma-informed parenting. Manage, create and oversee various events that aim towards bringing resources and services to child clients. Network with local coalitions to establish strong relationships to allow for cross referrals. Supervisory Responsibilities Interns including MSW-level students, and volunteers Travel KIND's Fresno office is located in Fresno. Public transportation to the office is available as well as paid parking options. This position may require some travel, but not regular travel. Salary: $60K DOE Physical Demands and Work Environment Ability to work within an office environment and have regular interaction via telephone, videoconference, IM, and email with KIND's team. Work is generally performed within the office environment and includes phone and in person contact with clients. Application Instructions: Please be advised that a resume, cover letter and writing sample will need to be submitted along with your application in order to be considered for the desired role. Applications that do not contain all of the above-listed required materials will not be considered. Applications should be submitted as soon as possible and will be considered on a rolling basis until the position is filled. KIND has an organization wide commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We strive to create a work environment where everyone has a sense of belonging. Individuals from historically underrepresented or underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. Employment Type: Full Time Years Experience: 1 - 3 years Bonus/Commission: No

Keywords: KIND, Fresno , Social Service Coordinator, Other , Fresno, California