Program Assistant, Reception and Intake (Dari/Pashto-Speaking)
Church World Service, Inc.

About CWS

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.

Purpose

This position is a temporary position until July 30, 2024 CWS seeks a bilingual, flexible, and service-driven individual to serve as a part-time (20 hours per week) Program Assistant to support the office, staff, and clients in our Walnut Creek, California office. The position is responsible for welcoming clients at the CWS office front desk and providing initial assistance, eligibility determination, and program referrals. As the first point of contact for incoming refugees and asylum seekers, the Program Assistant must speak Dari, and will assist with office interpretation. The position is responsible for completing intake paperwork with clients and connecting them with the appropriate CWS support teams and external resources. The position will also assist the case management and legal teams by coordinating client services, completing paperwork, tracking data, and supporting the office with a range of administrative tasks.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE PROGRAM ASSISTANT

• Greet and assist individuals contacting the CWS office; Oversee reception area and provide support to individuals seeking services at CWS.

• Respond to phone calls, emails, and inquiries coming into the CWS NorCal office. Route and elevate questions, as appropriate.

• Conduct initial screening of potential clients and complete appropriate intake paperwork.

• Complete needs assessments to determine client needs and vulnerabilities. Identify and address safety and protection concerns. Provide referrals, internally and externally, as appropriate.

• Participate in case coordination meetings and collaborate with CWS legal and case management teams.

• Assist with booking immigration consultations and scheduling client appointments.

• Provide interpretation on-site and at community events for legal appointments and other services.

• Assist staff attorneys, paralegals, and case managers with data entry. Maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and program compliance.

• Order and distribute office supplies, mail and packages. Maintain postage machine and copier. Serve as point of contact regarding copier, water, and other office operations.

• Assist with meeting set up, coffee and snacks, as needed.

• Participate in all CWS trainings and activities.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and/or experience:

• Associate's degree or two years of related experience in customer service preferred.

• Fluency in English and Dari/Pashto is required.

• The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word and Excel) and internet applications.

• Excellent communication and phone skills are essential.

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.

• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS' Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee required.

Special Requirements

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: CWS is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Benefits

CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
- 403 (b) Retirement Plan
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
- Generous Paid Time Off (21 Paid Days Off; 27 Days after 2 Years)
- 14 Official Holidays
- Sick Time Off (12 Accrued monthly)
- Life Insurance and AD&D
- Long Term and Short-Term Disability
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
- Health Savings Account
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Commuter Benefits