IRC Background: The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has a presence in over 40 countries and 27 offices in the United States; the IRC leads the way from harm to home. IRC opened an office in Seattle in 1976 and a second office in Spokane in 2022 and provides a continuum of services including intensive case management, employment and economic empowerment services, immigration assistance, health and wellness programming, and education support to refugee and immigrant families in Washington State. IRC Washington is committed to providing trauma-informed, equitable, and accessible services and maintaining and evolving a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace.

Job Overview: The Behavioral Health Specialist is responsible for building resilience of individuals who have been forcibly displaced from their home countries. This position will be engaging with individuals and families from the community who are experiencing adjustment difficulties to offer encouragement, practical assistance, guidance, and emotional support. The role will include conducting client-centered needs assessments and skill-building workshops to enhance problem solving and promote positive interactions. Additional responsibilities of this position include connecting clients with mental health resources in the community, including external referrals to therapy or higher levels of care as needed, and supporting clients with mental health navigation and care coordination.

Major Responsibilities: -

• Promote mental health and psychosocial support within affected communities
• Meet with individuals and families in the community to conduct needs assessments
• Prepare an appropriate plan of action with clearly identified goals and activities
• Refer clients with need for higher level of mental health care to culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health providers in the community
• Under supervision, engage in evidenced-based psychoeducation and skill building activities
• Document activities through case notes and data entry
• Collaborate with supervisor to provide crisis assessment
• Assist with evaluation of current program services and explore ways to introduce new service opportunities
• Attend IRC trainings and conference calls addressing mental health program development and other refugee mental health and psychosocial support related topics
• Attend and engage in all team meetings, staff meetings, and other relevant meetings and participate fully as a member of the IRC team
• Other duties, as required

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Mental Health Program Manager

Position Supervises: N/A

Indirect Reporting: Senior Manager for Health and Wellness
Other Internal and/or External Contacts:

Job Requirements:

• Relevant degree or equivalent professional and/or lived experience with social work, social service provision, psychosocial support, mental health, community engagement and support, or other relevant areas
• Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred
• In lieu of lived experience, experience working with refugees and/or immigrants; cross-cultural or overseas experience accepted
• Professional proficiency in English and one or more of the following languages preferred: Ukrainian, Dari, Pashto, or Swahili
• Prior experience working with refugees and/or community organizing, preferably with communities who have been traditionally marginalized, oppressed, or faced barriers to opportunity and support and related to health or mental health
• Familiarity with issues facing refugee and immigrant communities as they relate to trauma, adjustment, and mental health
• Ability to assess needs, prioritize and develop action plans
• Ability to advocate and liaise with health and social service systems
• Excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties and manage time effectively
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal)
• Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively across lines of difference with respect to race, gender, ethnicity, language, religion and age
• Ability to follow strict guidelines of client confidentiality and safeguarding
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and familiarity with data-tracking systems
• Valid driver’s license, access to reliable vehicle with current insurance
• Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning

Flexible hybrid office environment (remote and in-office)

Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days (depending on role and tenure), medical insurance starting at $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.