Ukrainian Peer Support Specialist

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 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 Ukrainian Peer Support Specialist is responsible for building resilience of people forcibly displaced from Ukraine. This position will be engaging with individuals and families from the Ukrainian 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. Depending on community need, the Ukrainian Peer Support Specialist may also run psychosocial support groups, provide educational workshops, and develop community activities that foster healthy connections.

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
• 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 Coordinator

Indirect Reporting: Health and Wellness Program Manager

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: other IRC Seattle program teams, IRC Seattle Finance and Operations teams, IRC Seattle Development, External Communications, and Volunteer support teams, Mental Health Technical Adviser, Evidence-based intervention trainers

External: mental health providers and systems

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 Ukrainian required
• 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
• Trust and rapport with the Ukrainian community
• 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

Working Environment:**

• Standard, professional office environment (flexible remote and in-office)

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

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.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our organization. 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.