About this opportunity
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is hiring an Asylum Services Navigator to support asylum seekers and migrants across Washington State. This role is part of the WA MASS Project and involves conducting client intakes, assessing needs, and connecting people to essential services like housing, healthcare, and legal aid. The position pays $28 to $29.50 per hour and is expected to run through June 30, 2027. The IRC was founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein and has grown into one of the world's largest humanitarian organizations. It operates in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, responding to crises by restoring health, safety, education, and economic wellbeing. The organization employs thousands of staff who work on the front lines of displacement, helping people survive and rebuild their lives. This role sits within that mission, working directly with people navigating the U.S. asylum system. The job is based in Washington State, and the navigator must live there and be available to travel for work. The work environment mixes office, field, and some remote work, with occasional weekend or evening shifts. Washington has a significant migrant and refugee population, and the state has a network of service agencies that this role will coordinate with. The position is unionized and represented by OPEIU, so it falls under a collective bargaining agreement.
Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive intake interviews with asylum seekers and other migrants, gathering information on their background, legal status, and needs
- Determine eligibility for program services based on established criteria and guidelines
- Explain program services, client rights and responsibilities, and obtain consent for reviewing immigration documentation
- Participate in outreach and intake pop-up events to facilitate access to the program for eligible communities across Washington State
- Provide accurate and up-to-date information about the asylum process, available resources, and relevant legal rights
- Assist clients in navigating complex systems and accessing essential services such as housing, healthcare, legal aid, and public benefits
- Develop individualized service plans and facilitate referrals to appropriate service providers
- Assess clients' immediate needs and flag urgent health, safety, or shelter concerns for the Referrals and Crisis Response team
- Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to identify ongoing needs and develop appropriate referral plans
- Collaborate with the Asylum Services Supervisor to ensure timely and appropriate support for clients
- Collect and maintain accurate client data, including demographic information, needs assessments, service plans, and referrals
- Utilize the electronic database and newcomer management system to track client interactions and outcomes
- Contribute to program reports and evaluations by providing timely and accurate data
- Support the front desk by receiving and responding to the needs of walk-in clients
- Perform other related duties as assigned based on program needs
Benefits
- Hourly pay rate of $28 to $29.50, calibrated by work location, individual experience, and skills
- Union representation under OPEIU with terms set by a collective bargaining agreement
- Mix of office, field, and remote work based on project capacity
Requirements & Qualifications
- Relevant degree or equivalent experience
- Lived experience as an asylee, refugee, or immigrant is preferred
- Experience and demonstrated excellence as an Asylum Services Navigator in the WA MASS Project
- Experience in case management, social services, or a related role working directly with asylum seekers or other vulnerable populations
- Ability to document client interactions and services provided, maintaining updated and accurate documentation
- Fluency in English and at least one other relevant language commonly spoken by asylum seekers in the region, such as Spanish, French, or Portuguese, is preferred
- Advanced technological proficiency and demonstrated ability to quickly master new systems and client or program management software
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with clients from diverse backgrounds
- Strong cultural competency and understanding of the unique challenges faced by asylum seekers
- Experience with data entry, collection, and virtual case management is preferred
- Knowledge of the U.S. asylum system, relevant legal resources, and available services for asylum seekers
- Effective time management skills and the ability to focus and work productively in a fast-paced environment
- Demonstrated ability to work as a team member in a multi-cultural environment
- Valid driver's license and insurance
- Must live in Washington State and be available to travel for work
How to Apply
- Review the requirements and confirm you meet the qualifications, including living in Washington State.
- Prepare your application materials, highlighting any relevant experience with asylum seekers or case management.
- Click the Apply button below to submit your application.
Official Application Strategy & Insights
Selection Committee Priorities
- •Academic/Professional Alignment: Ensure your statement explicitly ties your past work in to International Rescue Committee (IRC)'s strategic goals.
- •Leadership Evidence: Selection panels heavily weigh demonstrated initiative, community impact, or research output.
- •Financial & Language Prerequisites: Confirm if Medium of Instruction (MOI) certificates can substitute for formal standardized language test fees.
Required Document Verification
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