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 is operating a 24/7 program designed to address the acute needs of asylum seekers and migrants passing through the DC area. SAMU works with local government and partner organizations to ensure that newcomers have access to comprehensive services, including food, clothing, hygiene facilities, transportation, medical/legal support, and short-term respite.

ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES

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

• Greeting incoming buses of asylum seekers (guests) and walk-ins at Welcome Centers in DC.
• Completing intake forms, daily registrations and logs, as well as other documents and screenings with each guest or family unit, in accordance with protocols.
• Ensuring that guest’s information is entered in the intake database efficiently and accurately while keeping physical records organized and properly archived.
• Identifying and documenting the acute needs of guests.
• 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 guests have a sponsor or support in their intended destination and coordinating with travel staff to contact the sponsor.
• Providing orientation to guests on what to expect and how to navigate resources.
• 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 guests.
• 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 or High school diploma or GED required.
• Must have at least three years’ experience working with asylum seekers, immigrants, refugees, or providing direct care to vulnerable populations.
• Fluency in English and a second language (preferably Spanish, French, or Portuguese)
• Experience working in a residential setting.
• Ability to support survivors in crisis with empathy while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Proficiency across the following skills: verbal and written communication, collaboration and organization.
• Use of computer and technology proficiency and data entry experience.
• Ability and willingness to perform light housekeeping and lifting up to 30 pounds independently.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. and able to pass a background check.
• 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.

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.
• Ability and willingness to perform light housekeeping.
• Occasional lifting (up to 30 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.

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, 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.