Program Officer (ESOL)

Hearts & Homes for Refugees is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization that resettles refugees in our communities and inspires, educates and equips others to do the same. We harness the power of volunteers, create, mentor and mobilize groups to support holistic refugee resettlement. Private citizen volunteers improve the long-term outcomes for refugees and change the lives of our new neighbors as well as those who offer their time and resources.

Location: Westchester, NY

Position Type: Part-time (20 hours/week), Hybrid (minimum of two mornings/week in the Pelham office, plus in-person client visits, meetings and events; some remote work)

Reports To: Program Director

POSITION OVERVIEW:

This position will support the organization’s mission of welcoming refugees and expanding the welcoming movement, particularly through the Community Sponsorship (CS) model. The Program Officer will oversee the provision of trauma-informed ESOL services to refugees and other qualified immigrants, facilitating a positive resettlement experience and supporting clients in achieving self-sufficiency. The Program Officer will also support HHR’s work in community awareness raising; recruiting, organizing, assisting and mentoring volunteers; outreach and coordination with other CS groups; and refugee resettlement.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Client Support and Service Coordination:

• Overseeing existing ESOL Programs: 1:1 tutoring, group classes.
• Maintain resource list of ESOL programs in the community and support referral of clients into those classes.
• Provide ESOL onboarding and guide/support volunteer tutors, including set up and management of ESOL sub-groups for specific clients/cohorts.
• Coordinate and oversee Afterschool Homework Tutors
• Identify and support family and individual ESOL needs - Assess individual clients English levels; establish schedules, programs and tutor introductions to the clients.
• Monitor and assess client progress, addressing challenges and adjusting service plans as needed to ensure successful outcomes.
• Work with Program Officer to support the organization and execution of the HHR Summer Camp.
• Collaborate with colleagues and volunteers to ensure a coordinated approach to client care and service delivery.

Program Development and Evaluation:

• Participate in discussions regarding program evaluation and improvement, contributing insights based on direct client interactions and experiences.
• Assist in identifying and developing new resources or partnerships to better meet the evolving
• needs of clients.

Data Management and Reporting:

• Document all client interactions and services provided in accordance with program requirements. Follow up with volunteers to ensure accurate tracking of services and goods provided.
• Maintain accurate client and program records in the organization's databases, ensuring all information is up-to-date and readily available for tracking and reporting purposes.

Other Duties:

• Identify opportunities and represent HHR at community events, meetings, and other forums to promote awareness of refugee resettlement issues and the organization's mission.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned to support the overall operations and programs of Hearts & Homes for Refugees.
• Travel in Westchester and nearby is required.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education: Bachelor’s degree.

Experience: Minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience. Lived or professional experience working with refugees a plus.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities, with a self-starter mentality and the capacity to work flexibly and adaptively.
• Proficiency in Google Workspace. Experience with database management is a plus.
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in work products.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in additional languages spoken by refugees in the
• community is highly desirable (in particular Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian or Spanish).

COVID-19 Policy: Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required as part of HHR's commitment to providing a

safe working environment for employees, clients, and the community.

Fluency in English is required; proficiency in additional languages spoken by refugees in the community is highly desirable (in particular Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian or Spanish).