Immigration Specialist jobs in Grand Rapids, MI

If you are passionate about transforming communities with a mission-driven organization, then we have the opportunity for you!

Since 1939, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) has offered welcome and hope to refugees. LIRS has transformed lives with the support and hard work of people like you, to welcome the most vulnerable to the United States from sea to shining sea.

We help people seeking safety from persecution in their home countries and reunite families torn apart by conflict. We resettle refugees. We protect vulnerable children who arrive alone in the United States. We advocate for compassion and justice for all migrants.

Widely recognized for our expertise in implementing federal programs on behalf of refugees and migrants in the United States, conducts policy advocacy, and advances the protection and rights of vulnerable migrants.

Headquartered in the beautiful Inner Harbor of downtown Baltimore we provide services nationwide through a network of staff and affiliates. Attracting and retaining the best talent is vital to our continued growth and we are proud to offer an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision available the first day of employment, professional development, tuition reimbursement, generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, 12 paid holidays PLUS the week between Christmas and New Year's Day, 12 weeks of paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave, company 403(b) contribution of 3%, an additional 7% match, Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures, adoption/foster care assistance, and an annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support your personal needs including funding enrichment classes, gym memberships, and healthy eating plans (to name a few) all in an inclusive and progressive environment!

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service is a champion for all uprooted people. Please join us as we make a difference in the lives of newcomers.

Reporting to the Associate Director for Foster Care, the Senior Program Officer for Foster Care is responsible for the programmatic and operational management of transitional foster care programming. Provides oversight of partners and headquarters operations and assures that all LIRS principles and practices are followed in order to implement high quality services. Manages communication with partners and ORR in responding to changing service needs, including changes in federal laws and policies and fluctuations in numbers of children and families served. Monitors programs in real time and delivers technical assistance to ensure consistent case placement and standards of service provision. Carries out on-site training and workshops on LIRS and ORR policies and procedures. Provides case staffing for challenging cases, especially those involving trafficking concerns, CPS involvement, law enforcement or other serious categories. Oversees regional supervisors and other staff as assigned. Actively liaises between ORR, LIRS and the field to support and ensure service excellence. Interacts with the federal oversight apparatus at each location. Master's degree in social work or related field along with substantial experience required. They closely collaborate with the Associate Director and Director for Children and Family Services to ensure the successful expansion of high-quality foster care services at LIRS headquarters and partner agencies.

DUTIES

Provides programmatic leadership to ensure all foster care policies and procedures are consistent across LIRS programs.

Oversight of Directors and Site Supervisors at Foster Care providers to ensure that activities, and staff are consistent with their adherence to LIRS's and ORR's mission and vision, regulations, structure, policies and procedures.

Staffs difficult cases with program staff and federal field specialists

Remains knowledgeable of complex mental health/trauma, medical, safety, and juvenile justice issues that impact children who are referred for foster care.

Ensures program compliance with contractual and reporting requirements

Identifies areas of need and works with the Program Officer for Monitoring and Evaluation to ensure the development and delivery of high-quality technical assistance

Develops new program proposals in coordination with direct foster care providers and States.

Assists with launch of new programs, ensuring quality staff and foster parent training and preparation of community partners that will work with the population (i.e. schools, medical/mental health care providers).

Reviews and monitors data quality and assurance for Foster Care services

Remains knowledgeable of all federal government and LIRS/CFS guidelines, policies and procedures related to Foster Care.

Researches and writes papers or other educational documents regarding case, programmatic and systemic trends and issues.

Participates in presentation efforts designed to advocate responsive policies and programs on behalf of minors of concern.

Fosters peer-to-peer learning in network through conference calls, newsletters, facilitation of conferences. Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

Graduate degree in Social Work or other Behavioral Science in combination with a minimum five years of clinical experience and knowledge of child welfare systems, principles, practices and emerging trends.

Minimum of 3 years' administrative supervisory experience

Experience working with diverse client populations, particularly immigrants and refugees

Experience in program development, administration and budget oversight.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Deep commitment to LIRS' core values and ability to model those values in relationships with colleagues and partners

Special Position Requirements Bilingual in Spanish and English preferred.

Must be at least 21 years of age

Must be able to pass an FBI background check as well as a CA/N check for every state in which they have resided in the last five years.

Ability and willingness to travel up to 25%.

Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS) is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. We participate in E-Verify in the states that permit its use.

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package in an innovative and rewarding work environment. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage effective on your first day of employment, 403(b) with company contribution and match, 20 days of vacation per year, tuition reimbursement, professional development and much more. Salaries are based on the latest market data and reflect the education, skills and requirements for the role. Differentials may exist based on the region and language abilities.