Intake and Service Specialist

About SAMU First Response

SAMU First Response is a global medical and social nonprofit organization that provides immediate humanitarian relief to vulnerable populations using a comprehensive and culturally competent approach. Grupo SAMU, our European branch, has over 40 years of experience successfully responding and delivering assistance to communities experiencing complex crises.

Program Overview

Given the migration crisis at the U.S.-Mexico border, SAMU First Response will be opening an Emergency Respite Center in Rockville, MD to address the acute needs of asylum seekers and migrants passing through the DC area. SAMU will work with local government and partner organizations to ensure that newcomers have access to comprehensive services, including food, clothing, hygiene facilities, respite, and medical/legal support as they travel to their destination.

Role and Responsibilities

The Intake and Service Specialist is responsible for gathering and documenting relevant intake information on newcomers as they arrive in DC and providing basic on-site services in order to address their needs in a timely manner. 

Responsibilities include: 

• Greeting incoming buses of asylum seekers (newcomers) and walk-ins at Welcome Centers in DC.
• Conducting intakes with each newcomer or family unit, and completing other documentation, such as screenings, daily registrations, and logs, in accordance with protocols.
• Ensuring that newcomer information is entered in the intake database(s) efficiently and accurately while keeping physical records organized and properly archived. 
• Identifying and documenting the acute needs of newcomers.
• Contacting local entities for any urgent/emergency needs and making referrals to the SAMU Respite Center(s) and/or other providers in DC or the destination city, as necessary.
• Determining whether newcomers have a sponsor or support in their intended destination and coordinating with travel staff to contact the sponsor or receiving organization to confirm, when necessary. 
• Providing orientation to newcomers on what to expect and how to navigate resources.
• Communicating with Respite Center team to confirm capacity, provide relevant details regarding incoming newcomers, and coordinate logistics of transfers.
• Maintaining supply inventory and ensuring that sufficient supplies are available for each shift. Transporting supplies (when necessary).
• Coordinating and distributing food, clothing, hygiene kits, and other supplies to newcomers.
• Supervising and directing on-site volunteers, as needed.
• Developing and maintaining an up-to-date database of resources in destination cities. 
• Ensuring completion of  Satisfaction Surveys and documenting other feedback, suggestions, and related information, as needed.
• Identifying gaps/trends and providing recommendations to direct Supervisor and the Deputy Director(s).
• Other duties, as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or relevant discipline and 3 years of relevant experience, or Masters and at least 1 years of relevant experience.
• Fluency in English and a second language (preferably Spanish, French, or Portuguese)
• Prior experience working with asylum seekers, immigrants, refugees, or other marginalized populations preferred.
• Computer proficiency and data entry experience.
• High level of attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
• Must be able to pass required background checks and health screenings (drugs, alcohol, TB) and able to work in-person within the DMV area
• Must be vaccinated for COVID-19 and able to work in-person within the DMV area, with occasional travel/accompaniment to other locations in the region.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

Non-Negotiable Expectations

• Punctuality and attendance to all scheduled shifts.
• Communicating with newcomers and colleagues in a professional, respectful, and constructive manner.
• Treating newcomers with dignity.
• Upholding confidentiality at all times.
• Commitment to a safe, harassment and discrimination-free workplace.

Physical Demands

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

To Apply

Please send your resume via email to mfranco@rcr-consulting.com with the job title in the heading. Please also indicate your availability to start, should you be offered a position.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SAMU First Response is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer. SAMU does not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, 3 domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.