Washington Management Service – Refugee & Immigrant Assistance Administrator

Location: Olympia, Washington
Annual Salary: WMS Band 3; $65,009 – $76,487 depending on education and experience
Posting Date: July 2, 2009
Closing Date: July 10, 2009

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is seeking an experienced and committed professional to join the Economic Services Administration’s (ESA) Community Services Division as the Administrator of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (RIA).

Agency Profile
The mission of the Department of Social and Health Services is to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in need. The Department helps people achieve safe, self-sufficient, healthy and secure lives. In accomplishing this mission, the Department offers comprehensive and coordinated social, health and financial services that meet the unique needs and strengths of individuals and families.

The Department of Social and Health Services strives to create a working environment that encourages creative leadership and teamwork, and respects cultural and ethnic diversity.

The Economic Services Administration (ESA) within the Department of Social and Health Services represents more than 4,200 employees in six divisions working together with the single mission of improving the lives of low-income residents in Washington State. ESA provides cash grants, food assistance, child care and work-focused services that help individuals and families meet their basic needs and achieve economic independence. ESA also ensures that parents provide financial and medical support to their children. More than one out of ten state residents receive assistance through these programs.

Scope
The RIA Administrator provides leadership and direction in the administration and provision of economic, employment and social services that facilitate and promote economic self-sufficiency and social self-reliance for refugees and immigrants in Washington State.

The position works closely and collaboratively with the State Refugee and Immigrant Coordinator to ensure refugee and immigrant populations in Washington State receive the scope and level of services and supports they need to effectively resettle and become economically self-sufficient.

The RIA Administrator directs the work of eight Refugee and Immigrant Assistance (RIA) staff, and is responsible for planning, budget and policy development, service coordination, and performance monitoring and reporting for programs and services that assist refugees and immigrants of all nationalities in Washington State. These programs and services include Refugee Cash Assistance, Unaccompanied Refugee Minor, Refugee Social Services, Immigrant Naturalization Facilitation, and the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Pathway.

The position directs and oversees state refugee resettlement program activities and the development and monitoring of contracts with local service providers, voluntary resettlement agencies, community action agencies, and other state agencies for the provision of linguistically and culturally competent employment and social services.

The position manages and oversees an annual program budget of $11.3 million. In collaboration with the State Refugee and Immigrant Coordinator, the position seeks public and private resources and funding opportunities to enhance services for refugees and immigrants.

Desirable Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree and four years of progressively responsible professional experience in planning, policy development, and management of publicly funded programs and services.
The person in this position should have excellent communication skills and extensive experience working collaboratively with community-based organizations, local communities, and federal, state and local government agencies to ensure the provision of effective culturally and linguistically appropriate services to refugees and immigrants.

An individual with a personal or professional recent refugee or immigrant background is desirable.

The successful candidate should be a strong administrator with the following abilities and knowledge:

• Extensive experience working with refugees and immigrants.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the unique needs and issues facing people who enter the U.S. as a refugee or immigrant,
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations governing refugee and immigrant assistance programs and funding.
• Ability to lead and direct the work of a unit with field operations and contract management responsibilities to ensure quality services and positive employment and resettlement outcomes for refugees and immigrants.
• Knowledge of state legislative and budget building processes.
• Demonstrated ability to plan, prioritize, and make decisions having a long-term statewide impact.
• Proven track record in fostering teamwork and collaboration across organizational boundaries.
• Ability to establish positive relationships with peers, elected officials, stakeholders, and the public.
• Ability present information to community groups and large audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to perform with minimal supervision and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork.
• Ability to use data and research effectively and strategically to assess service needs and evaluate service/program effectiveness and client outcomes.
• Ability to develop staff and help individuals reach their highest potential.
• Proven track record in enhancing services to refugees and immigrants by soliciting input from stakeholders and evaluating, recommending and implementing effective service delivery strategies and services.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the State Refugee and Immigrant Coordinator to ensure seamless, quality services.

Application Process
To apply for this position, please submit the following:

• A letter of interest addressing the desirable qualifications listed in this recruitment announcement
• Current resume
• Three professional references

An optional Applicant Profile Data Form can be found at
http://www.dop.wa.gov/SiteCollectionDocuments/Forms%20and%20Publications/DOP%20Forms/ApplicantProfileDataForm.doc

Please e-mail the completed application package to Marquita Price at PriceMJ@dshs.wa.gov
or mail it to:

Marquita Price
Economic Services Administration
712 Pear St. SE
Box 45857
Olympia, WA 98504

Washington State is an equal opportunity employer. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam veterans are encouraged to apply. Persons of disability needing assistance in the application process or those needing this job announcement in an alternate format may call 360-725-4626 or TTY 711.

Filed under: Jobs, Training and Volunteer Opportunities