Service Support (Day & Night)

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 Service Support position is primarily responsible for providing newcomers with basic hospitality services and ensuring that the center is kept clean and orderly daily.

• Providing meal service to newcomers according to the designated Respite Center schedule.
• Coordinating and overseeing orderly use of shower facilities.
• Receiving deliveries of laundry and/or washing bedding, towels, and clothing. Folding and organizing items.
• Distributing clothes, hygiene items, snacks, and other supplies/materials according to Respite Center protocols and newcomer needs.
• Ensuring that newcomers return Respite Center property (i.e. towels, bedding, toys, etc.) before departure.
• Maintaining an organized Respite Center space at all times.
• Making small purchases of goods and retaining/providing copies of receipts, as approved by direct supervisor and/or other designated staff member.
• Ensuring that newcomers sign the required Respite Center paperwork reporting arrivals, departures, etc from the center
• Providing basic information to newcomers and alerting Service Specialists when newcomers require complex referrals and orientation.
• Conducting group information sessions, as approved by the direct supervisor.
• Notifying logistics staff of any urgent/ongoing needs or issues.
• Escalating issues to the direct supervisor, as necessary.
• Other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma and at least 2 years of work 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 preferred.
• 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.