Community Navigation Specialist

International Rescue Committee•Iowa City, IA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Community Navigation Specialist serves as a bridge between clients and community-based service providers, including accredited immigration legal services organizations, certified healthcare partners, interpreters, and other support services. Through outreach, individualized support, referral coordination, and appointment navigation, the Navigation Specialist helps clients navigate systems, access required services and build confidence in managing future processes independently. This position does not provide immigration legal advice or legal representation. Instead, the Community Navigation Specialist focuses on client outreach, system navigation, referral coordination, and support services that connect eligible clients to community resources that support their progress through the adjustment of status process for eligible populations and long-term community integration. All case-specific legal questions are referred to licensed or accredited legal service providers.

Requirements

Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience.
Relevant professional experience in human services field, community services navigation, or nonprofit program required; minimum of 2 years of experience strongly preferred.
Experience with immigrant and refugee populations preferred; lived experience valued.
Strong relationship building and diplomacy skills; ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
Detail-oriented with solid problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by IRC’s clients is desired; including Swahili, Arabic, Spanish, Dari, and/or Pashto.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research and problem-solving purposes.
Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle is required.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience valued.
Proficiency in language(s) spoken by IRC’s clients is desired; including Swahili, Arabic, Spanish, Dari, and/or Pashto.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach to eligible client populations.
Refer all case-specific immigration legal questions to licensed or accredited legal service providers; this role does not provide legal advice, legal representation, or case management of legal proceedings.
Provide individualized navigation and support to help clients understand the referral process and how to access appropriate community resources.
Assist clients with scheduling intake appointments and support timely completion of referral activities.
Conduct regular follow-up with clients to address barriers to engagement and encourage successful completion of required appointments and activities.
Maintain accurate tracking systems to monitor client progress, referrals, appointments, and outcomes.
Assist clients in accessing required services related to their pathway to permanent residency, including scheduling appointments with certified healthcare providers and other required service partners.
Support clients in navigating appointment systems, transportation options, interpretation resources, and other logistical needs that may impact appointment attendance.
Provide practical guidance that empowers clients to independently navigate service systems and manage future appointments.
Identify barriers and connect clients with appropriate resources to help address them that may prevent clients from completing required appointments and follow-up activities.
Coordinate with service providers to support continuity of care and successful client engagement while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
Build rapport and provide strengths-based guidance that promotes client self-sufficiency and confidence in navigating systems.
Ensure services are delivered in a culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and client-centered manner.
Connect clients with community resources that support long-term stability, integration, and successful attainment of personal goals.
Promote equitable access to services and support informed decision-making by clients regarding available services and referrals.
Document all client interactions, referrals, appointments, outcomes, and follow-up activities in accordance with program and organizational requirements.
Input client information into relevant databases and assist with reporting activities as needed.
Collaborate effectively with coworkers, accredited immigration legal services providers, healthcare partners, interpreters, and community organizations to support client success.
Maintain positive working relationships with established community partners and service providers to facilitate effective referrals and service coordination.
Participate in staff meetings, training opportunities, and partner convenings as required.
Perform other related duties as assigned, including support for broader client services and organizational initiatives.

Benefits

10 sick days
10 US holidays
20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
medical insurance starting at $163 per month
dental starting at $6.50 per month
vision starting at $5 per month
FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
disability & life insurance
Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.