Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Specialist

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you! Since 1939, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) has offered welcome and hope to refugees.
LIRS has transformed lives with the support and hard work of people like you, to welcome the most vulnerable to the United States from sea to shining sea.
We help people seeking safety from persecution in their home countries and reunite families torn apart by conflict.
We resettle refugees.
We protect vulnerable children who arrive alone in the United States.
We advocate for compassion and justice for all migrants.
Widely recognized for our expertise in implementing federal programs on behalf of refugees and migrants in the United States, conducts policy advocacy, and advances the protection and rights of vulnerable migrants.
Headquartered in the beautiful Inner Harbor of downtown Baltimore we provide services nationwide through a network of staff and affiliates.
Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment, professional development, tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays PLUS the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave, company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match, Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption/foster care assistance, and an annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment! Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is a champion for all uprooted people.
Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.
Reporting to the State Grants and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Manager, the RCA Specialist will be responsible for supporting the activities of the RCA program in line with the public/private partnership agreement.
Duties will consist of assessment, eligibility determination and enrollment, computation of cash assistance payments, as well as provision and collection of appropriate notices and reports.
The position will work closely with internal and external programs including Refugee Support Services, Case Managers, Employment Services, English classes providers, and others as needed, to help clients achieve their self-sufficiency goals.
DUTIES Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate client-centered, trauma-informed support.
Understand and adhere to guidelines set forth in the RCA public/private partnership agreement regarding clients' eligibility and enrollment, program length, benefits computation and explanation, report requirements, notices and policies.
Coordinate with Refugee Support Services providers in region 2 and 3 to ensure appropriate and timely RCA referrals and service provision.
Create and maintain an active client case file and list on the SharePoint site using State-designed template.
Collect and maintain appropriate documentation and income information in client's case files and determine client's initial and continued eligibility for cash assistance.
Maintain regular communication with clients regarding RCA program requirements including but not limited to changes in cash assistance payment, required reports and compliance, and change of address.
Maintain up-to-date documentation to ensure services are properly documented throughout the client's service period.
Conduct computation of monthly cash assistance and incentive payments to clients, generate payment requests and transmit payment requests for manager approval and Accounts Payable for payment.
Track and maintain client's payments (cash assistance, employment retention bonus and English language classes (ELL) attendance incentive) and follow appropriate procedures to ensure recovery of overpayments and correction of underpayments in the RCA program.
Monitor and track monthly client's compliance to remain eligible for cash assistance, unless where exceptions apply.
In coordination with the ELL provider, ensure RCA clients maintain a minimum of 60% attendance rate while enrolled in ELL classes unless there is a reasonable cause for exemption.
Assist in the preparation of Federal and State Required Reports including ORR-6, Annual Outcome Goal Plan, Annual Service Plan, ORR-1 RCA estimate, and quarterly file review reports.
Coordinate and collaborate with Case Managers, Employment Services, Social Services, and other programs clients are enrolled to facilitate RCA program administration and support path towards client's self-sufficiency.
Monitor service provision to ensure non-duplication of services with other federally funded programs.
Manage deadlines ensuring RCA reports, ELL attendance, and client employment and income information are submitted to ensure timely processing of monthly payments.
Handle problems that arise to ensure compliance with program requirements.
Provide gender equity services.
Provide client-centric service and ensure that ORR eligible populations are being served in a linguistically and culturally appropriate manner within the community and provide education and advocacy when necessary.
Participate in performance-related goal setting and achievement to meet personal, program and organizational objectives and goals.
Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's degree in a Social Work, behavioral/human services, data management field or two years of experience in related field preferred.
Experience and commitment working with refugees, immigrants, or diverse and limited English population, highly preferred.
Proficient in the use MS office suite, Word, Outlook, Excel, database and communication Tools.
Excellent verbal, written and listening communication skills.
Must be able to communicate professionally with staff, clients, and external program partners.
Fluency in one of the ORR eligible population languages is highly preferred including Pashto, Dari, Ukrainian, Russian, Spanish, Arabic, Kinyarwanda, Creole.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret data and generate trend reports.
Strong attention to detail and well organized, with ability to manage tasks in a fast-paced environment and meet deadlines under minimal supervision.
Excellent problem- solving, decisiveness and good judgment abilities and desire to serve diverse clients.
Demonstrate ability to adapt to change and correct any challenges or inefficiencies for the best results.
Must have reliable transportation, clean driving record, and valid insurance and be able to travel locally as required.
Cross-cultural or international experience preferred.
Commitment to LIRS's core mission and values and an ability to model those values in relationship with colleagues and partners; commitment to empowering refugees and migrants.
Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.
We participate in E-Verify in the states that permit its use.
We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment.
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment, 403(b) with company contribution and match, 20 days of vacation per year, tuition reimbursement, professional development and much more.
Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills and requirements for the role.
Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities.