Intake 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 of newcomers as they arrive in MD and providing basic on-site services to address their needs in a timely manner.

• Greeting incoming buses of asylum seekers (newcomers) at any reception sites in the State of Maryland
• Completing intake forms, daily registrations and logs, as well as other documents and screenings with each newcomer or family unit, in accordance with protocols.
• Ensuring that newcomer 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 newcomers.
• Contacting local entities for urgent/emergency needs and making referrals to the SAMU Respite Center(s) and/or other providers in MD or the destination city, as necessary.
• Determining whether newcomers have a sponsor or support at their intended destination and coordinating with travel staff to contact the sponsor or receiving organization to confirm that they will receive them, when necessary.
• Providing orientation to newcomers on what to expect and how to navigate resources in Maryland.
• 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. 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.
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 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.