Program Specialist, Refugee Resettlement

Position Title: Program Specialist

Organization: Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Department: Refugee Resettlement

Position Type: Half-Time (30 – 37.49 hours/week), Non-Exempt

Schedule: Monday- Friday, 9:00am - 3:30pm

Work Setting: Onsite

Reports To: Employment Program Manager

Pay Range: $24/hour

Total Compensation: 

In addition to standard pay, compensation for this position includes:

• Generous employer 401(k) contributions

Time Away from Work:

Being able to take time away from work is critical in bringing your best self to work. Time off benefits for this position include:

• Paid vacation time and sick leave
• 15 paid holidays, including Federal and Jewish holidays (as long as the holiday lands on a normal scheduled work day), and floating holidays
• 2 Wellness Days to be taken any time during the year to support employees’ mental wellness

Position Overview:

JFS is looking for a compassionate, mission-driven individual to join the Refugee Resettlement team as the Program Specialist. In this role, you have the opportunity to use your Haitian-Creole language skills and interpretation experience to make a meaningful difference in your community and help change lives across San Diego. The Program Specialist plays an integral role on the team and supports the entire agency by providing Haitian-Creole interpretation skills supporting case management and workforce development. This position reports directly to the Employment Program Manager and works closely with the Employment Team and the rest of the Refugee Resettlement Department.

Responsibilities:

• Provide onsite, direct client support, assisting Haitian Creole-speaking refugees in navigating program services
• Guide clients through workshops, orientations, and programming expectations, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and available resources
• Offer interpretation services over the phone, in person, and in the field to facilitate communication between clients and staff
• Support written translation of workshops, flyers and other program materials
• Serve as a cultural liaison, bridging language and cultural gaps to improve client engagement and service delivery
• Assist clients with completing applications, employment documents, and accessing supportive services
• Input and maintain accurate client interaction records in program databases, ensuring compliance with reporting requirements
• Maintain physical files and documentation as required by program guidelines
• Work collaboratively with the Employment Team to support job readiness, placement, and retention goals for clients
• Identify barriers to employment and connect clients with additional resources such as vocational training, childcare, and transportation
• Conduct outreach and follow-ups to encourage participation in employment services and workshops
• Stay informed on community resources, labor market trends, and legal updates affecting refugee employment
• Regularly attend weekly staff meetings and training assigned
• Other duties as assigned

Skills/Experience/Abilities That Are a Must-Have:

• Fluency in Haitian Creole & English – Strong verbal and written communication skills in both languages
• Deep understanding of Haitian culture, migration experiences, and barriers faced by newly arrived refugees
• Ability to provide clear, professional interpretation in person, over the phone, and in writing as needed
• Experience in providing interpretation in a social services setting, aware of HIPPA and privacy guidelines
• Experience conducting outreach and follow up
• Able to work independently and as a team player, this is a highly collaborative role working across teams to support high-need clients
• Ability to work with people from, and within the context of, a variety of cultures in a respectful, culturally sensitive manner
• An ability to connect with clients in a compassionate and professional manner while also collaborating with staff and external partners
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities and needs
• Ability to identify challenges faced by clients and advocate for solutions that improve access to services and employment opportunities

Skills/Abilities We’d Like You to Have:

• High school diploma or equivalent GED, or some college, bachelor’s