The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) supports people who have lost or left their homes. For over 100 years, the unwavering commitment of our leadership, team, network of service providers, and advocates has helped redirect the destiny of countless vulnerable lives. In neighborhoods, in Washington, and around the world, we break down barriers and demand justice for refugees and immigrants as they successfully integrate into new communities. We provide essential social and legal services to rebuild productive lives, turning tragedy into prosperity. We are a purpose driven organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide and supporting their transition to a dignified life. To learn more about our work, please visit our website at www.refugees.org.

OVERVIEW

The Community Mentor (CM) will serve as a core member of the Post-Resettlement Behavioral Health (BH) Support Services Crisis Response Team (CRT) and will provide remote clinical support and access to culturally and linguistically appropriate trauma-informed behavioral health services to Afghan Supplemental Appropriations Act (ASA) eligible individuals across the United States. The program is aimed at providing clinical, psychosocial, behavioral, and emergency support services via telehealth, in-person providers, a national helpline, and a crisis response team.

USCRI’s Crisis Response Team (CRT) is a multidisciplinary team and will include clinicians, counselors, therapists, case managers and community mentors specializing in behavioral health, wellness, school, marriage and family counseling for adults, adolescents, and children. This group will provide more in-depth mental health assessments/screenings, crisis stabilization, moderate to significant behavioral health interventions, focused psychosocial support, and clinical services for individuals with severe or complex disorders in a crisis where local resources are limited. This team can be leveraged at the request of ORR, State, and local partners.

The incumbent must possess proficient knowledge of speaking Pashto and Dari languages and should be aware of the socio-cultural sensitivities while interacting with the Afghan communities. The CM will serve as a liaison to linking Afghan clients to needed health care information and services support and interventions. This role offers a range of community-based psychosocial and behavioral support activities, including cultural orientation, psychoeducation, and parenting support. The CM will assist professional staff in providing direct health, mental health, or social services to clients. The CM will also promote USCRI’s behavioral health services throughout the community by networking with faith-based centers and cultural centers through mosques, Muslim organizations, Afghan organizations, as well as with local behavioral health and mental health providers and clinics so that they are aware of our services and how to access them. This project-based position requires availability to work full-time, and a commitment to work during weekends and flexibility in work hours if needed. In the event if the need arises, based on consultation with the CRT and following approval from the CRT Advisor, the Community Mentor will carry out field visits to the selected states where USCRI will be implementing Post-Resettlement BH Support Services Program. This position reports to the Crisis Response Team Advisor in Arlington, VA.

This is a remote, project based, temporary position.

Assignment Duration: December 2022 – September 30, 2023

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Stay part of the CRT and work collaboratively alongside a multidisciplinary team of social workers, counselors, community behavioral health workers, psychiatrists, and psychologists.
• Adheres to and complies with all relevant local, state, federal and regulatory standards, as per guidance provided by the project;
• Help individuals, families, groups, and communities develop their capacity and access to resources, including health insurance, food, housing, quality care and health information;
• Facilitate communication and client empowerment in interactions with health care/social service systems;
• Help people understand their health condition(s) and develop strategies to improve their health and well-being;

• Provide informal counseling, support, and follow-up;
• Follow an established referral pathway and refer clients in need of specialized BH/MH support and interventions to the CRT and/or other available resources on the ground.
• Support USCRI Crisis Response Team in responding to the clients’ needs during crises;
• Link clients to health care/social service resources;

• Help build understanding and social capital to support healthier behaviors and lifestyle choices;
• Conduct awareness raising sessions in social and community centers to alert Afghan guests and enable them benefit from the USCRI ongoing post-resettlement BH support services.
• Offer real-time, efficient, and professional translation and language support services (Pashto and Dari) in need if the clients interact with the CRT and healthcare providers.
• Deliver health information using culturally appropriate terms and concepts;
• Map out community resources and refer clients to community partners and resources;
• Conduct community outreach to service providers to ensure client needs are met;
• Help individuals, families, groups, and communities develop their capacity and access to resources, including domestic violence, child abuse and other unhealthy practices;
• Participate in appropriate orientation and training opportunities to improve clinical skills and increase knowledge of applicable regulations. Attend and participate in mandatory supervisory and staff meetings, and
• Other related duties may be assigned.

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

REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology, or a related field;
• Proficiency in Pashto and Dari languages is required;

• Experience in child welfare, domestic violence, family therapy, trauma informed therapy, and social service provision is desired;

• Experience in navigating any of the individual/family-serving systems and experience advocating for family members who are involved with behavioral health systems;

• Experience in writing cohesive and coherent reports, contact notes, and monthly reports;

• Must have demonstrated track record of cultural competence and experience working with international populations;
• Candidate must have dedication to the human rights of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers and displaced people;
• Candidate must pass a criminal background check that includes past history of conviction of child and sexual abuse; and
• Demonstrated support of USCRI’s values by exhibiting respect for others, maintenance of confidential information and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Satisfactory completion of USCRI’s Orientation and Training;
• Psychological First Aid; and
• Complete additional training as identified by Program Manager/ CRT Advisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity;
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands;
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying; and

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ADDITIONAL NOTES

• Please submit a resume with cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your application;
• References will be required at time of the final interview; and
• No telephone calls please. Position will remain open until filled.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer.