POSITION SUMMARY:
HIAS seeks an experienced Program Officer, Initial Resettlement to lead research and analysis of federal, state, and local benefits and resources that help refugees achieve self-sufficiency in the Program of Initial Resettlement (PIR) funded by the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). Working with the HIAS Virtual PIR team, affiliates, state coordinators, and other stakeholders, the Program Officer assesses resource needs, monitors policy and benefit changes, identifies service gaps, and develops practical solutions. The Program Officer develops and delivers guidance, resource tools, and technical assistance related to public benefits and essential services, including, but not limited to, education, healthcare, English-language instruction, Social Security, transportation, and employment.
Note, this position is based at our headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland or our office in New York, New York, and we will consider a remote option for applicants who live outside of commuting distance to either of our offices and are based in other states in which we are registered (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia).
The salary for this position is $60,000-68,000. This position is grant funded and the position is contingent on funding.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Assesses affiliate resource needs and develops and implements responsive support plans in consultation with affiliates.
- Leads research, development, and maintenance of resource and referral tools for core service provision and other social services clients may need; utilizes and adapts HIAS library of resources as appropriate.
- Monitors and analyzes changes in federal, state and local public benefits for which refugees may be eligible, assesses implications for PIR service delivery and communicates actionable guidance to affiliates and internal stakeholders.
- Thoroughly researches enrollment and application processes for required PIR services, translating findings into accurate, user-friendly guidance and data resources for affiliates.
- Develops and delivers guidance, resource tools and technical assistance to affiliates and clients on accessing public benefits and essential services, as appropriate.
- Cultivates and maintains relationships with community service providers and other stakeholders to strengthen referral networks and address service gaps identified by affiliates.
- Analyzes barriers to accessing resources and benefits, develops practical solutions and coordinates with affiliates and other stakeholders to resolve complex access issues.
- Maintains accurate and timely documentation of activities in compliance with program requirements.
- Synthesizes key activities, trends, service gaps, and outcomes for monthly and quarterly reporting, as needed.
- Advocates on behalf of virtual PIR clients with community providers, public agencies, and other stakeholders to address barriers and facilitate access to essential services.
- Applies specialized expertise to additional pre- and post-arrival functions as needed.
QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor's degree in human services, public policy, international development, or a related field required; an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
- 3-5 years of progressively responsible experience in refugee resettlement, program data management, humanitarian services, immigration, or a related field, including experience independently managing complex program responsibilities.
- Substantial knowledge of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and Office of Refugee Resettlement programs required.
- Substantial experience working at a resettlement affiliate or a national Initial Resettlement Provider (IRP) required; experience in both settings preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to independently research, interpret and communicate complex federal, state and local policies, benefits and service-access requirements.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify service gaps, assess emerging needs and recommend effective solutions.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and Word required; proficiency with SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, and other Microsoft 365 collaboration tools preferred. Experience using Microsoft Copilot or other AI-supported tools is a plus.
- Experience with data tracking required; experience with grant or program reporting preferred.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information and tailor guidance, resource tools, and technical assistance materials for varied audiences.
- Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, and facilitation skills, with demonstrated success collaborating across teams and organizations.
- Proven ability to serve as a subject-matter resource, provide technical guidance, facilitate discussions, coordinate across multiple stakeholders, and cultivate effective relationships with affiliates, government partners, and peer organizations.
- Strong independent judgment, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, including demonstrated experience assessing sensitive, urgent, ambiguous, and high-needs cases; determining appropriate action; and escalating only when warranted.
- Demonstrated ability to take ownership of assigned program functions, establish priorities, make sound decisions within established authority, and carry work through to completion with minimal supervision.
- Ability to anticipate operational needs, identify process gaps, and recommend and implement practical improvements that strengthen quality, consistency, efficiency, and compliance.
- Highly organized and attentive to detail, with the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, meet deadlines and deliver high-quality work in a dynamic environment.
- Travel within the US may be required.