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 Services Specialist is responsible for providing general information, connecting to case management and Case management services and providing assistance with basic and urgent needs.

• Connect guests to Case Management services, as directed.
• Distribute information to assist with medium-term planning and onward travel.
• Provide assistance to guests in accessing acute healthcare needs (i.e. urgent care, Hospitals, partner medical clinics).
• Ensure guests have access to trauma-informed language services.
• Notify case management of any parents expressing interest in enrolling school-aged children in school for families intending to remain in the District.
• Safety transport and guide shelter guests to/from partner organizations, shelter locations, off-site appointments, and travel hubs.
• Assist with ensuring guests have sufficient basic needs for their onward travel.
• Track client resettlement and stabilization exit plans, to include addressing related data reporting requirements.
• Interact with guests to support a welcoming environment, and direct questions and requests to the appropriate team member.
• Work in an environment that is fast paced, completing multiple tasks efficiently and safely while meeting stringent timelines.
• Handle requests in a timely and efficient manner.
• Communicate clearly, effectively, and professionally with others verbally and in writing.
• Perform administrative duties in support of an assigned area of responsibility.
• Maintain that guests follow all health and safety protocols including COVID protocols, cleaning/sanitizing of vehicles and all shelter spaces.
• Maintain a safe and clean space; indoors and outdoors.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must have at least three years’ experience in providing direct care to vulnerable populations.
• Must have at least three years’ experience working with asylum seekers, immigrants and refugees, or providing direct care to vulnerable populations.
• Experience working in a residential setting.
• Ability to support migrant clients with understanding and navigating services available through the OMS program and mission partners to assist with urgent and short-term needs
• Ability to support survivors in crisis with empathy while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Proficiency across the following skills: verbal and written communication; collaboration, organization, and use of computer and technology for basic communication and work products.
• Valid Driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to perform light housekeeping and lifting up to 30 pounds independently
• 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.

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.