Employment

Job Opportunities at Minnesota Council of Churches

Thank you for your interest in working for the Minnesota Council of Churches.

We are pleased to offer a competitive benefits package, including:

Gold Medical insurance plan
Dental insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability
Vacation and holiday pay
Employer contributing retirement plan
Flexible Spending Accounts
Free parking

As an Equal Opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, creed, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

CURRENT JOB OPENINGS

Refugee Cash Assistance Specialist
Refugee Cash Assistance Eligibility Coordinator
Intensive Case Manager
Community Connector (Spanish-speaking)
Resettlement Case Manager

POSITION TITLE: Refugee Cash Assistance Specialist

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, 1 FTE, non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager of Employment Services

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) Refugee Services welcomes refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees and other new Americans into new lives of freedom, hope and opportunity in Minnesota. Based in Minneapolis and Mankato, MCC Refugee Services has resettled those with refugee status in Minnesota since 1984. Through services providing resettlement, case management, employment, education and immigration legal services, MCC’s multi-cultural, multi-lingual and inclusive staff works to ensure our newest neighbors are “abundantly supported as they move from addressing basic needs to achieving their dreams.”

The Council is a statewide council with 27 member denominations from Historical Black, Native American, Mainline Protestant, Pentecostal, and Orthodox communions. The Council’s program areas include refugee resettlement and services, strengthening interfaith relationships, and racial justice. The broader mission of MCC is to build unity through justice for the common good. The staff at MCC reflects the broad diversity of Minnesota.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Refugee Cash Assistance Specialist assesses RCA eligibility of individuals with a humanitarian protection immigration status, including refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and victims of trafficking, living in the 7 county metro area. Working with colleagues in the program and agency, the position works to ensure participants are connected to and receive the services and resources for which they are eligible so they may become self-sufficient.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Participate in employment orientations with agency clients, to provide information about RCA program
Conduct intake and assessments to determine client eligibility for RCA and other public assistance programs
Review program guidelines with program participants, empowering them to reach agreed-upon goals and meet program guidelines.
Explain application procedures and assist participants to complete forms
Verify information received from clients
Refer participants to employment programs, basic needs resources, and ongoing community supports
Teach participants how to access their benefits
Communicate participants’ household income changes with RCA and county financial workers
Maintain regular contact with clients, to track income and ensure connection to employment and other programs
Distribute checks and transportation supports to participants
Impose sanctions on participants who are not in compliance with RCA policies
Refer clients to employment programs, basic needs resources, and ongoing community supports
Participate in cultural and community orientations with program participants
Work closely with MCC colleagues to ensure that refugees are integrated into the broader array of services available in the organization
Provide translation and interpretation support for other Refugee Services projects, as needed.
Maintain positive relationships with community partners relevant to program activities.
Submit regular reports to track client outcomes, fulfill reporting requirements, and capture client success stories.
Document services and activities in case logs and files
Oversee volunteer activities within program and with clients
Occasionally welcome arriving families at the airport
Assist in emergencies as they arise
Other duties as assigned

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working with refugees or recent immigrants
Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records, interpret complex written rules, and follow guidelines as shared by state bulletins.
Demonstrated understanding of American culture and ability to interpret cultural differences.
Commitment to early self-sufficiency of refugees, asylees and immigrants
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries.
Strong English language communication skills, both oral and written.
Demonstrated strong communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
Proven capacity to work in fast paced social service environment.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Bilingual proficiency in Arabic, Dari, Karen, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian or other relevant languages preferred.
Bachelor’s degree or related work experience strongly preferred
Experience with Microsoft Office programs preferred. Proven ability to use basic office equipment including copiers, postage machines, and fax machines
Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation required.
Availability to work occasional weekend or evening hours

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS: Normal office conditions and regular office hours, Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend and evening hours. This position works out of the MCC’s office at 122 West Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis.

COMPENSATION: Starts at $21/hour. This is a non-exempt, 40-hour/week position. Benefits include medical insurance, dental, life, retirement, sick leave, vacation, and holiday benefits as provided by MCC human resources policy.

POSITION TITLE: Refugee Cash Assistance Eligibility Coordinator

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, 1 FTE, non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager of Employment Services

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

The Refugee Cash Assistance Eligibility Coordinator determines the eligibility for Refugee Cash Assistance for individuals with a humanitarian protection immigration status, including refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees, Cuban/Haitian entrants, and victims of trafficking, living in the 7 county metro area. Working with colleagues in the program and agency, the position provides works to ensure participants are connected to and receive the services and resources for which they are eligible so they may become self-sufficient. The Eligibility Coordinator uses MAXIS, the State of Minnesota’s public assistance database, to enter and track participant income and eligibility data.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Document income, services and activities in MAXIS, in case logs and in up-to-date case files
Participate in employment orientations with participants, to provide information about RCA program
Conduct intake and assessments to determine participants’ eligibility for RCA and other public assistance programs
Review program guidelines with program participants, empowering them to reach agreed-upon goals and meet program guidelines.
Explain application procedures and assist participants to complete forms
Verify information received from participants
Refer participants to employment programs, basic needs resources, and ongoing community supports
Teach participants how to access their benefits
Maintain regular contact with participants, to tracking income and ensure connection to employment and other programs
Communicate participants’ household income changes with county financial workers
Distribute checks and transportation supports to participants
Communicate sanctions to participants who are not in compliance with RCA policies
Participate in cultural and community orientations with program participants
Work closely with MCC colleagues to ensure that refugees are integrated into the broader array of services available in the organization
Provide translation and interpretation support for other Refugee Services projects, as needed.
Maintain positive relationships with community partners relevant to program activities.
Submit regular reports to track participant outcomes, fulfill reporting requirements, and capture participant success stories.
Oversee volunteer activities within program and with clients
Occasionally welcome arriving families at the airport
Assist in emergencies as they arise
Other duties as assigned

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of RCA programs, policies, and procedures and experience with the MAXIS data information system strongly preferred
Proven ability to use and learn complex computer applications, with strong competence in using Microsoft Office programs and web-based apps.
Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records, interpret complex written rules, and follow guidelines as shared by state bulletins.
Experience working with refugees or recent immigrants
Demonstrated understanding of American culture and ability to interpret cultural differences.
Commitment to early self-sufficiency of refugees, asylees and immigrants
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries.
Strong English language communication skills, both oral and written.
Proven capacity to work in fast paced social service environment.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Bilingual proficiency in Arabic, Dari, Karen, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian or other relevant languages preferred.
Bachelor’s degree or related work experience strongly preferred
Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation required.
Availability to work occasional weekend or evening hours

COMPENSATION: Starts at $21/hour with $1/hour increase upon completion of training and state approval for MAXIS use. This is a non-exempt, 40-hour/week position. Benefits include medical insurance, dental, life, retirement, sick leave, vacation, and holiday benefits as provided by MCC human resources policy.

POSITION TITLE: Refugee Program Specialist: Intensive Case Manager

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time, Regular, Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager of Extended Services

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

To coordinate medical and/or mental health services and provide case management to individuals with refugee, asylee, and other humanitarian protection immigration statuses who have significant physical or mental health conditions or other vulnerabilities. The Intensive Case Manager is part of a specialized team within MCC Refugee Services that focuses on supporting program participants in independently managing their health and wellbeing. The position will work to promote self-sufficiency and goal attainment for clients, through connections to ongoing programming and mainstream supports, in compliance with MCC programs and contract guidelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Provide case management and care coordination to program participants, working with them in their homes, at clinics, at social service offices, and in community settings.
Conduct intake and assessments to determine client eligibility for program(s).
Develop care plans with program participants, empowering them to reach client-centered goals and meet program guidelines.
Encourage early self-sufficiency and independence of all program participants.
Work closely with MCC colleagues to ensure that refugees are integrated into the broader array of services available in the organization
Promote MCC Refugee Services Programs, provide advocacy regarding refugee health issues, and cultivate relationships for potential referrals with community partners, refugee community members, and other eligible individuals.
Provide ongoing cultural orientation to program participants
Document all contacts and services in case files and complete assessments and outcome tracking within computer and online databases.
Assist in emergencies as they arise.
Transport clients to and from appointments as necessary.
Coordinate services with various community public health partners at state, county and local levels, as well as across MCC programs.
Serve as an advocate to increase awareness of refugee health issues within MCC and the community.
Maintain awareness of evidence-based best practices within the field of refugee health and provide staff with relevant information as it is learned.
Other duties as assigned

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelors degree in Social Work, Public Health, or related area of study required.
MSW or LSW strongly preferred.
At least 3 years prior professional experience working directly with refugees or recent immigrants, and experience working collaboratively with community service providers.
Knowledge of local refugee and immigrant populations, the resources available to them, and the state and federal policies that impact them.
Commitment to early self-sufficiency of refugees and ability to teach skills to clients.
Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed documentation in a timely manner.
Strong English language communication skills, both oral and written.
Proven ability to work in crisis situations.
Proven capacity to work in fast paced social service environment, both independently and as a member of a team.
Experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook preferred. Proven ability to use basic office equipment including copiers, postage machines, and fax machines.
Driver’s license and access to a reliable transportation required.
Extensive cross-cultural experience required. Familiarity with refugee and asylee populations and health issues related to resettlement, trauma and/or torture strongly preferred.
Demonstrated strong cross-cultural communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
Ability to effectively bring key players to the table and to facilitate communication and concrete action around a common goal.
Knowledge of the U.S. refugee resettlement process and U.S. medical systems strongly desired.
Driver’s license and access to a vehicle required.
Bilingual applicants preferred, with particular emphasis on Karen, Somali, Swahili, Spanish, Pashto, Dari and Ukrainian.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS:Normal office conditions and regular office hours, Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend and evening hours. This position works out of the MCC’s office at 122 W Franklin Ave in Minneapolis, with offsite meetings throughout the Twin Cities.

COMPENSATION: This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Benefits include medical insurance, dental, life, retirement, sick leave, vacation, and holiday benefits as provided by MCC human resources policy. Starting wage: $21/hour

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

The Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) is a statewide council with 27 member denominations from Historical Black, Native American, Mainline Protestant, Pentecostal, and Orthodox communions. The Council’s program areas include refugee resettlement and services, strengthening interfaith relationships, and racial justice. The broader mission of MCC is to build unity through justice for the common good. The staff at MCC reflects the broad diversity of Minnesota.

POSITION TITLE: Refugee Program Specialist: Community Connector

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, 1 FTE, non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager of Extended Services or Director of Refugee Services

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

To provide direct services to program participants - including refugees, humanitarian parolees, and asylees - in coordination with other Refugee Services staff. This position connects program participants with resources and services both within MCC and in the community, provides language interpretation and cultural support, and performs program tasks including assistance with transportation, application assistance, file maintenance, documentation of services, home visits, and apartment set ups. The position works in coordination with staff and volunteers across MCC programs to help participants meet their basic needs, connect to services and become self-sufficient.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide direct assistance to clients based on program goals and client goal plans in coordination with Refugee Services staff, including case managers, employment counselors, and education specialists.
Work closely with MCC colleagues to ensure that refugees are integrated into the broader array of services available in the organization.
In cooperation with case managers and other program staff, meet outcome goals defined in contract (s) related to lines of service. Including the following:
- Provide direct assistance to clients
- Conduct intakes, assessments and other contract activities with clients
- Assist with filing forms for clients
- Respond to client questions and counsel clients on resources and community
- Provide education and awareness on important topics
- Connect clients to employment programs, basic needs resources, and ongoing community supports
- Complete reports, as directed
Document all contacts and services in case files, as appropriate
Provide ongoing cultural orientation to program participants
Serve as cultural liaison for new arrivals
Oversee volunteer activities, as appropriate.
Provide translation and interpretation support for other Refugee Services projects and staff, as needed and available.
Maintain positive relationships with community partners relevant to program activities.
Assist in emergencies as they arise
Other duties as assigned

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Required fluency in Spanish
Experience working with refugees and/or recent immigrants
Demonstrated ability understand and work across cultures
Commitment to early self-sufficiency of refugees
Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed records and submit accurate reports in a timely manner.
Strong English language communication skills, both oral and written.
Demonstrated understanding of American culture and ability to interpret cultural differences.
Demonstrated strong communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries.
Proven capacity to work in fast paced social service environment
Experience with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Outlook preferred. Proven ability to use basic office equipment including copiers, postage machines, and fax machines
Demonstrated detail orientation
Bachelor’s degree or related work experience preferred
Driver’s license and access to vehicle

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS:Normal office conditions and regular office hours, Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend and evening hours. This position works out of the MCC’s office at 122 W Franklin Ave in Minneapolis, with offsite meetings held at locations throughout the Twin Cities.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

POSITION TITLE: Refugee Program Specialist: Resettlement Case Manager

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, 1 FTE, non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager of Resettlement Services

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

This exciting position plays an important role in welcoming and serving the needs of individuals arriving to Minnesota with refugee, SIV and humanitarian parolee status. This position functions primarily within the Reception and Placement program of MCC, working directly with individuals during their initial months in the country to provide and coordinate services which promote self-sufficiency and help participants achieve their goals, following guidelines of Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Services programs and contracts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Encourage self-sufficiency and independence of newly arriving individuals and families with refugee status
Develop service plans with program participants, empowering them to reach agreed-upon goals and meet program guidelines.
Assist clients with applications for social security cards, public assistance, schools, ESL programs, and other community services
Connect clients to employment programs, basic needs resources, and ongoing community supports
Participate in cultural and community orientations with program participants
Work closely with MCC colleagues to ensure that refugees are integrated into the broader array of services available in the organization
Work with colleagues to secure housing and set up apartments with required furniture items
Welcome arriving families at the airport
Conduct intake and assessments
Provide translation and interpretation support for Refugee Services projects, as needed
Maintain positive relationships with community partners relevant to program activities
Submit regular reports to track client outcomes, fulfill reporting requirements, and capture client success stories
Document services in case logs and maintain up-to-date case files
Oversee volunteer activities within program and with clients
Assist in emergencies as they arise
Other duties as assigned

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working with refugees or recent immigrants
Case management experience focusing on attainment of outcomes in areas of housing, employment, education, family functioning, or immigration preferred.
Knowledge of local refugee and immigrant populations, the resources available to them, and the state and federal policies that impact them.
Demonstrated understanding of American culture and ability to interpret cultural differences.
Commitment to early self-sufficiency of refugees, asylees and immigrants
Strong motivational and teaching skills.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries.
Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed records and submit accurate reports in a timely manner.
Strong English language communication skills, both oral and written.
Demonstrated strong communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
Proven ability to work in crisis situations.
Proven capacity to work in fast paced social service environment.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Bilingual proficiency in Arabic, Dari, Karen, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian or other relevant languages preferred.
Bachelor’s degree or related work experience strongly preferred
Experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook preferred. Proven ability to use basic office equipment including copiers, postage machines, and fax machines
Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation required.
Availability to work occasional weekend or evening hours

COMPENSATION: Starts at $21/hr. This is a non-exempt, 40-hour/week position. Benefits include medical insurance, dental, life, retirement, sick leave, vacation, and holiday benefits as provided by MCC human resources policy.

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND: The Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) is a statewide council with 27 member denominations from Historical Black, Native American, Mainline Protestant, Pentecostal, and Orthodox communions. The Council’s program areas include refugee resettlement and services, strengthening interfaith relationships, and racial justice. The broader mission of MCC is to build unity through justice for the common good. The staff at MCC reflects the broad diversity of Minnesota.

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for a current job opportunity, submit your completed application to employment@mnchurches.org.

MCC EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

Document:

Download MCC Employment Application with signature field.pdf (1.84 MB)

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CURRENT JOB OPENINGS

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