Program Officer - Refugee Wellness

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI), is a non-governmental, not-for-profit international organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in migration by advancing fair and humane public policy, facilitating, and providing direct professional services, and promoting the full participation of migrants in community life. For over 100 years, we have shaped history with the belief that immigrants strengthen our communities, economy and social fabric through freedom, hard work, and family unity. To learn more about our work, please go to our official website at www.refugees.org.  

OVERVIEW 

The purpose of the Refugee Wellness Program is to train individuals who work with refugee and other newcomer populations on effectively navigating mental health topics with people from diverse backgrounds and on appropriately and safely responding to individuals with mental health concerns, connecting clients to care that is culturally responsive. Specific skill-building topics include training to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental disorders and mental health concerns, to establish linkages with mental health agencies to refer individuals with the signs or symptoms of mental illness to appropriate services, to train individuals to identify persons with a mental disorder and employ crisis de-escalation techniques, and to educate individuals about resources that are available in the community. The program also seeks to improve health equity for refugees by addressing health risk factors and by strengthening mental health partnerships in communities where refugees resettle. The program model uses a statewide approach to provide trainings and resources with the goal of supporting and streamlining activities that promote mental health and wellness for refugees. The position will report to the Texas Refugee Mental Health and Wellness Program Coordinator. The Refugee Wellness Program primarily serves agencies, volunteer groups, education providers, employers, and other entities who work with refugee, asylee, Cuban/Haitian Entrant, Special Immigrant Visa holder, Victim of Trafficking, and eligible Humanitarian Parolee populations. This position is office-based in Austin, Texas. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implements program activities to achieve objectives for the Office of Refugee Resettlement’s (ORR) Refugee Health Promotion (RHP) set-aside program and the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)-funded Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) program;
• Creates training plans and curriculum for mental health and wellness-based client and provider education; 
• Plans and facilitates training sessions for refugee-serving entities and other stakeholders including Mental Health First Aid and other trainings both virtually and in-person; 
• Creates needs assessments, surveys, and solicits and disseminates information to and from stakeholders;
• Creates, collects, and disseminates culturally and linguistically appropriate written materials for use by individuals and providers;
• Develops a collaborative network of invested stakeholders to improve access and wellness outcomes for refugees; 
• Collaborates with mainstream and culturally focused behavioral health workers, refugee resettlement providers, health providers and education providers; and
• Collaborates with USCRI’s RHS Texas Refugee Wellness leadership team to develop new material to meet identified needs.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. All job duties indicated are not to be an exhaustive statement and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, international relations, psychology, public/global health, or another relevant field required; Master’s degree preferred; 
• Minimum of two years of experience in refugee services, mental health, care coordination, health education, and/or community-oriented social service settings is required; 
• Experience in Mental Health First Aid strongly preferred. Obtaining and maintaining instructor certification in Mental Health First Aid will be required; 
• Experience in health literacy, curriculum development, and training preferred; 
• Working knowledge of the overall refugee resettlement process;
• Demonstrated track record of cultural humility and experience working with international populations;
• Organized self-starter and ability to manage multiple and varied priorities with tight deadlines; 
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills