POSITION SUMMARY:

Support the Refugee Learning Center, focusing on education and employment mentoring services. Build capacity of the Refugee Learning Center by developing and implementing educational programming for newly arrived refugees in Wyandotte and Johnson counties in Kansas. Impact poverty by increasing the number of refugees in education and employment mentor programs. Stabilize newly arrived refugees by creating social support networks.

AmeriCorps VISTA members have a one-year placement in the Refugee and Immigration Services Program of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas. This VISTA Service Member will successfully promote and support the mission of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas as guided by the Catholic Social Teachings. EEO

Stipend Living Expense: $575.40 bi-weekly.

Essential Functions:

• Provide capacity-building support to the Learning Center team by developing and implementing Citizenship, ELL, Cultural Orientation, and digital access programs for newly arrived refugees.
• Aids in data collection for grants for Citizenship Coordinator
• Builds and maintains volunteer database for education programs
• Trains new volunteers and builds resources and supports for education volunteer needs
• Develop volunteer training and materials
• Develops improved case file maintenance and monitoring systems for client files.
• Coordinates transportation for refugees to attend classes as needed
• Maintain an Outlook calendar to organize and coordinate program support.
• Participates in team meetings as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrate a passion for the mission of Catholic Charities
• Must be willing to perform by the agency’s values: love, patience, kindness, faithfulness, self- control and joy
• Catholic Charities promotes a diverse workforce. Employees are not required to be Catholic, however, employees of Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas must understand that they are a visible representative of the Archdiocesan Church and as such will not publicly oppose the teachings of the Catholic Faith nor publicly advocate for any position in conflict with Catholic teaching, or the specific positions of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas or the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. This requirement includes any public speech, demonstration, or writing including the use of social media or other digital technologies
• Must complete VIRTUS training, background screening, drug testing, and any ongoing training as required
• Classroom teaching experience highly desirable
• Minimum high school diploma, bachelor’s degree preferred. Experience working with refugees desired.
• Ability to work with diverse client population, community organizations and various professionals, as well as staff at all levels.
• Fluency in English required, and another language desirable such as: Dari and Pashto
• Must possess a valid Kansas or Missouri Driver’s license, dependable transportation, current vehicle insurance and a verified safe driving record.
• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, holidays and weekends. On call availability for emergencies.
• Must have competent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills along with strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office programs.
• Must be reliable, punctual, professional, able to follow instructions and handle emergencies. Must also be able to work independently from general instructions.)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer, standing, bending and moving
• Must be able to lift up to 10 pounds
• Must have the physical ability to complete assignments in a variety of environments: homes of those we serve, extreme heat, humidity, dust, smoke, pet contamination, cleaning supplies, etc.
• May be exposed to infectious diseases
• Must have physical ability to effectively communicate with others
• Must have the physical ability and appropriate licensure for driving