Employment

Job Opportunities at Minnesota Council of Churches

Thank you for your interest in working for the Minnesota Council of Churches.

We are pleased to offer a competitive benefits package, including:

Gold Medical insurance plan
Dental insurance
Life insurance
Long-term disability
Vacation and holiday pay
Employer contributing retirement plan
Flexible Spending Accounts
Free parking

As an Equal Opportunity employer, we hire without consideration to race, creed, color, national origin, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.

CURRENT JOB OPENINGS

Refugee Program Specialist: Resettlement Case Manager
Director of Mankato Refugee Services
Refugee Program Specialist: Education
Refugee Program Specialist: Community Connector (Spanish)
Human Resource Generalist
Refugee Services Employment Case Manager

POSITION TITLE: Refugee Program Specialist: Resettlement Case Manager

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, 1 FTE, non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager of Resettlement Services

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) Refugee Services welcomes refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees and other new Americans into new lives of freedom, hope and opportunity in Minnesota. Based in Minneapolis and Mankato, MCC Refugee Services has resettled those with refugee status in Minnesota since 1984. Through services providing resettlement, case management, employment, education and immigration legal services, MCC’s multi-cultural, multi-lingual and inclusive staff works to ensure our newest neighbors are “abundantly supported as they move from addressing basic needs to achieving their dreams.”

The Council is a statewide council with 27 member denominations from Historical Black, Native American, Mainline Protestant, Pentecostal, and Orthodox communions. The Council’s program areas include refugee resettlement and services, strengthening interfaith relationships, and racial justice. The broader mission of MCC is to build unity through justice for the common good. The staff at MCC reflects the broad diversity of Minnesota.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

This exciting position plays an important role in welcoming and serving the needs of individuals arriving to Minnesota with refugee, SIV and humanitarian parolee status. This position functions primarily within the Reception and Placement program of MCC, working directly with individuals during their initial months in the country to provide and coordinate services which promote self-sufficiency and help participants achieve their goals, following guidelines of Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Services programs and contracts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Encourage self-sufficiency and independence of newly arriving individuals and families with refugee status
Develop service plans with program participants, empowering them to reach agreed-upon goals and meet program guidelines.
Assist clients with applications for social security cards, public assistance, schools, ESL programs, and other community services
Connect clients to employment programs, basic needs resources, and ongoing community supports
Participate in cultural and community orientations with program participants
Work closely with MCC colleagues to ensure that refugees are integrated into the broader array of services available in the organization
Work with colleagues to secure housing and set up apartments with required furniture items
Welcome arriving families at the airport
Conduct intake and assessments
Provide translation and interpretation support for Refugee Services projects, as needed
Maintain positive relationships with community partners relevant to program activities
Submit regular reports to track client outcomes, fulfill reporting requirements, and capture client success stories
Document services in case logs and maintain up-to-date case files
Oversee volunteer activities within program and with clients
Assist in emergencies as they arise
Other duties as assigned

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working with refugees or recent immigrants
Case management experience focusing on attainment of outcomes in areas of housing, employment, education, family functioning, or immigration preferred.
Knowledge of local refugee and immigrant populations, the resources available to them, and the state and federal policies that impact them.
Demonstrated understanding of American culture and ability to interpret cultural differences.
Commitment to early self-sufficiency of refugees, asylees and immigrants
Strong motivational and teaching skills.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries.
Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed records and submit accurate reports in a timely manner.
Strong English language communication skills, both oral and written.
Demonstrated strong communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
Proven ability to work in crisis situations.
Proven capacity to work in fast paced social service environment.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Bilingual proficiency in Arabic, Dari, Karen, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian or other relevant languages preferred.
Bachelor’s degree or related work experience strongly preferred
Experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook preferred. Proven ability to use basic office equipment including copiers, postage machines, and fax machines
Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation required.
Availability to work occasional weekend or evening hours

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS: Normal office conditions and regular office hours, Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend and evening hours. This position works out of the MCC’s office at 122 West Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis, with regular visits to service providers and participants’ homes.

COMPENSATION: Starts at $21/hr. This is a non-exempt, 40-hour/week position. Benefits include medical insurance, dental, life, retirement, sick leave, vacation, and holiday benefits as provided by MCC human resources policy.

TITLE: Director, Mankato Area Refugee Services

Employment Status: Full Time, 1.0 FTE, Regular, exempt

Reports To: Division Director, Refugee Services

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

PURPOSE: The Director leads, manages and supervises the work of the Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) Mankato Area Refugee Services Office and is a key part of the MCC Refugee Services Management Team. The position oversees the development of programs at MCC Mankato, and oversees the day-to-day implementation and evaluation of the programs and projects. The Director supervises staff who provide direct client services, creates and nurtures community partnerships, and carries out program, finance and office management functions. The Director is an important community leader in promoting the welcome and inclusion of refugees and immigrants in the Greater Mankato area; the position represents MCC and its programs in outside coalitions and groups, and may be called up to speak on behalf of the MCC and the program.

RESPONSIBILITES:

PROGRAM MANAGEMENT

Work with the Division Director, MCC staff and key stakeholders to develop and implement programs
Monitor and assess program impact and outcomes, ensure the achievement of contracted program goals, and identify opportunities for continuous improvement, through tools including case file reviews and program audits
Ensure accurate recording, tracking and reporting on program participants, outcomes and finances.
Manage and develop structures which encourage early self-sufficiency of all program participants.
Coordinate and oversee Mankato office and staffing logistics

STAFF SUPERVISION

Manage and supervise work of program staff, interns, subcontractors, and partners to ensure high quality services, accurate record-keeping, and achievement of project deliverables.
Coordinate and facilitate orientation, training and professional development opportunities for staff, interns and volunteers
Provide case consultation and technical assistance to program staff, ensuring clients are integrated into the array of services available in the organization.
Oversee volunteer and intern activities

RELATIONSHIPS AND NETWORKS

Develop and maintain relationships with key constituencies including refugee communities, congregations, community leaders, other social service providers, and public officials.
Participate in the writing of grant proposals, drafting program reports for funders, and identifying programmatic possibilities, with focus on ensuring strong relationships to local partners and funders.
Conduct presentations to public and community stakeholders.
Represent MCC Refugee Services at community meetings, workshops, and trainings.
Promote the work of MCC to the media, private foundations, local and state government, through social media, and with potential program participants.

DIRECT SERVICE COVERAGE

Provide coverage of direct client services as needed, including:
- Conducting intake and assessment to determine eligibility and client needs;
- Making appropriate and meaningful referrals to meet client needs;
- Encouraging early self-sufficiency and independence to all program participants;

OTHER

Participate as an active member in MCC’s Senior Leadership Team;
Participate as a resource to MCC Refugee Services staff in the Metro and elsewhere in Minnesota.
Address emergencies as they arise
Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

At least 5 years professional experience working to attain client or project goals
- Preferred experience in refugee-serving programs focused on attainment of outcomes in areas of education, housing, family functioning, and employment services.
Preferred minimum of 3 or more years of program management, leadership or other supervisory experience in a human service or related setting.
Experience working with and extensive knowledge of challenges and opportunities of local refugee and immigrant populations
Significant professional project coordination experience
- Prefer coordination experience working in a multi-agency collaborative setting.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries and with diverse partners
Previous project or staff supervisory experience, with strong interpersonal, motivational and teaching skills.
Strong organizational and project planning skills
Demonstrated ability to interpret and negotiate cultural differences.
Commitment to early self-sufficiency of refugees
Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed records and submit accurate reports in a timely manner.
Strong English language communication skills, both oral and written.
Demonstrated strong communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
Familiarity with and sensitivity to the constituency of MCC, including those from diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds
Proven ability to work in crisis situations and/or a fast paced social service environment.
Experience with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook). Proven ability to use basic office equipment including copiers, postage machines, and fax machines
High level of organization and time management
Demonstrated leadership skills
Bachelor’s degree required
Bilingual proficiency in a relevant language preferred.
Preferred experience in grant writing and reporting, and/or other aspects of fund development.
Able to travel independently throughout the greater Mankato area, to the Twin Cities, and other parts of Southern Minnesota as needed; driver’s license required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS

Normal office conditions. This position works out of MCC’s Mankato office at 501 S. 2^nd St, Mankato, MN. Most job duties are performed during the weekday business hours, with occasional weekend or evening hours.

COMPENSATION: This is a full-time, exempt, regular position. Benefits include medical insurance, dental, life, retirement, sick and safe leave, vacation, and holiday benefits as provided by MCC human resources policy. Starting salary of $65,000-$70,000.

POSITION TITLE: Refugee Program Specialist: Education

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, 1 FTE, non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager of Extended Services

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

PURPOSE OF Position: The Education Specialist is a dynamic position that coordinates and provides cultural and community orientation classes for refugees, asylees and others with humanitarian protection immigration status by providing cultural orientation and education services. The Education Specialist works in collaboration with community partners to provide community orientation workshops at locations throughout the Twin Cities. The position also coordinates new arrival orientation and job readiness workshops for families resettled and served by MCC. The position works to promote self-sufficiency and goal attainment for clients, through connections to ongoing programming and mainstream supports, following MCC program and contract guidelines.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

DIRECT CLIENT SERVICE

Conduct intake services with new participants, including individual and family assessments
Assess participants for English language skills for workshop participation and interpretation needs
Assess and assist clients in overcoming barriers such as transportation, childcare, and language supports, to allow for workshop attendance.
Connect participants to meaningful resources in the community
Participate in public transportation training
Conduct participant evaluation surveys
Conduct follow-up assessments with families at prescribed intervals, to make new resource connections as necessary.
Conduct technology set-ups and support for participants taking workshops online
Assist programs participants to enroll in ESL.

WORKSHOP COORDINATION

Work with organizational partners and MCC programs to schedule and coordinate attendance at cultural orientation workshops at various service locations in the Twin Cities.
Collaborate in planning with education and volunteer outreach staff to enlist necessary resources and volunteers for successful workshops.
Participate in program design and evaluation.
Plan and facilitate Cultural and Community Orientation Workshops for newly arrived refugees.
Plan and facilitate job readiness workshops for resettlement and employment program clients.
Coordinate and lead trainings on riding public transportation.

OTHER

Promote MCC Refugee Services and resettlement network programs to potential clients and recruit clients to meet enrollment goals.
Encourage early self-sufficiency and independence of all program participants.
Work closely with MCC colleagues to ensure that refugees are integrated into the broader array of services available in the organization.
Provide translation and interpretation support for other Refugee Services projects, as needed.
Maintain positive relationships with community partners relevant to program activities.
Submit regular reports to track client outcomes, fulfill reporting requirements, and capture client success stories.
Participate in network meetings.
Document all contacts and services in case files and online databases
Oversee volunteer activities, as appropriate.
Assist in emergencies as they arise
Transport clients to and from appointments as necessary.
Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working with refugees or recent immigrants
Knowledge of local refugee and immigrant populations, the resources available to them, and the state and federal policies that impact them.
Demonstrated understanding of American culture and ability to interpret cultural differences.
Commitment to early self-sufficiency of refugees
Strong motivational, teaching and presentation skills.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries.
Familiarity with the Twin Cities public transportation system preferred.
Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed records and submit accurate reports in a timely manner.
Strong English language communication skills, both oral and written.
Proven ability to work in crisis situations.
Prefer social service experience focusing on attainment of outcomes in areas of education, housing, employment, family functioning, or immigration.
Proven capacity to work in fast paced social service environment.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Bilingual proficiency in a relevant language preferred.
Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred
Experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook preferred. Proven ability to use basic office equipment including copiers, postage machines, and fax machines
Ability to travel to and work at various locations in the Twin Cities
Driver’s license and access to a reliable transportation required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS:Normal office conditions and regular office hours, Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend and evening hours. This position works out of the MCC’s office at 122 W Franklin Ave in Minneapolis, with offsite meetings and classes held at locations throughout the Twin Cities.

COMPENSATION: This is a full-time, non-exempt position. Benefits include medical insurance, dental, life, retirement, sick leave, vacation, and holiday benefits as provided by MCC human resources policy. Starting wage: $21/hour

POSITION TITLE: Refugee Program Specialist: Community Connector

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, 1 FTE, non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager of Extended Services or Director of Refugee Services

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

To provide direct services to program participants - including refugees, humanitarian parolees, and asylees - in coordination with other Refugee Services staff. This position connects program participants with resources and services both within MCC and in the community, provides language interpretation and cultural support, and performs program tasks including assistance with transportation, application assistance, file maintenance, documentation of services, home visits, and apartment set ups. The position works in coordination with staff and volunteers across MCC programs to help participants meet their basic needs, connect to services and become self-sufficient.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide direct assistance to clients based on program goals and client goal plans in coordination with Refugee Services staff, including case managers, employment counselors, and education specialists.
Work closely with MCC colleagues to ensure that refugees are integrated into the broader array of services available in the organization.
In cooperation with case managers and other program staff, meet outcome goals defined in contract (s) related to lines of service. Including the following:
- Provide direct assistance to clients
- Conduct intakes, assessments and other contract activities with clients
- Assist with filing forms for clients
- Respond to client questions and counsel clients on resources and community
- Provide education and awareness on important topics
- Connect clients to employment programs, basic needs resources, and ongoing community supports
- Complete reports, as directed
Document all contacts and services in case files, as appropriate
Provide ongoing cultural orientation to program participants
Serve as cultural liaison for new arrivals
Oversee volunteer activities, as appropriate.
Provide translation and interpretation support for other Refugee Services projects and staff, as needed and available.
Maintain positive relationships with community partners relevant to program activities.
Assist in emergencies as they arise
Other duties as assigned

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Required fluency in Spanish
Experience working with refugees and/or recent immigrants
Demonstrated ability understand and work across cultures
Commitment to early self-sufficiency of refugees
Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed records and submit accurate reports in a timely manner.
Strong English language communication skills, both oral and written.
Demonstrated understanding of American culture and ability to interpret cultural differences.
Demonstrated strong communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries.
Proven capacity to work in fast paced social service environment
Experience with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Outlook preferred. Proven ability to use basic office equipment including copiers, postage machines, and fax machines
Demonstrated detail orientation
Bachelor’s degree or related work experience preferred
Driver’s license and access to vehicle

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS:Normal office conditions and regular office hours, Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend and evening hours. This position works out of the MCC’s office at 122 W Franklin Ave in Minneapolis, with offsite meetings held at locations throughout the Twin Cities.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Minnesota Council of Churches Human Resource Generalist

POSITION TITLE: Human Resource Generalist

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Full-time, Regular, Exempt

REPORTS TO: Human Resources Manager

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

The Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) is a statewide council with 27 member denominations from Historical Black, Native American, Mainline Protestant, Pentecostal, and Orthodox communions. The Council’s program areas include refugee resettlement and services, strengthening interfaith relationships, and racial justice. The broader mission of MCC is to build unity through justice for the common good. The staff at MCC reflects the broad diversity of Minnesota.

Job Summary:

The Human Resource Generalist will run the daily functions of the Human Resource (HR) department including hiring and interviewing staff, administering pay, benefits, and leave, and enforcing company policies and practices.

Duties/Responsibilities:

Recruits, interviews, and facilitates the hiring of qualified job applicants for open positions; collaborates with departmental managers to understand skills and competencies required for openings.
Conducts or acquires background checks and employee eligibility verifications.
Implements new hire orientation and employee recognition programs.
Performs routine tasks required to administer and execute human resource programs including but not limited to compensation, benefits, and leave; disciplinary matters; disputes and investigations; performance and talent management; productivity, recognition, and morale; occupational health and safety; and training and development.
Handles employment-related inquiries from applicants, employees, and supervisors, referring complex and/or sensitive matters to the appropriate staff.
Attends and participates in employee disciplinary meetings, terminations, and investigations.
Maintains compliance with federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations, and recommended best practices; reviews policies and practices to maintain compliance.
Maintains knowledge of trends, best practices, regulatory changes, and new technologies in human resources, talent management, and employment law.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.
Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in human resources, Business Administration, or related field required.
At least two year of human resource management experience preferred.

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
Must be able to lift 15 pounds at time.
Must be able to access and navigate each department at the organization’s sites in Minneapolis and Mankato

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS: Normal office conditions and regular office hours, Monday-Friday, with occasional weekend and evening hours. This position works out of the MCC’s office at 122 West Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis, with occasional offsite meetings throughout the Twin Cities.

COMPENSATION: This is a full-time, exempt position. Benefits include medical insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, retirement, sick leave, vacation, and holiday benefits as provided by MCC human resources policy. Starting pay: 60,000-65,000 for more information please contact Valerie Martinez – Human Resources Manager at Valerie.Martinez@mnchurches,org

POSITION TITLE: Refugee Program Specialist: Employment Case Manager

EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, 1 FTE, non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager of Employment Services

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND:

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

This exciting position plays an important role in welcoming and serving the needs of individuals arriving to Minnesota with refugee, SIV and humanitarian parolee status. This position works within employment services to assist program participants to seek, secure, and maintain employment leading to self-sufficiency as early as possible, following guidelines of Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee Services programs and contracts. The position also works to connect participants with needed resources throughout the community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Encourage self-sufficiency and independence of newly arriving individuals and families with refugee status
Provide orientation to potential participants about employment programs
Conduct intake and assessments to determine client eligibility for programs
Develop service plans with program participants, empowering them to reach agreed-upon goals and meet program guidelines.
Assist clients to overcome barriers to employment applications, job search, and self-sufficiency
Network with and develop relationships with employers
Identify and match clients with appropriate job opportunities
Provide ongoing case management and resource connections for program participants
Work closely with MCC colleagues to ensure that refugees are integrated into the broader array of services available in the organization
Provide translation and interpretation support for other Refugee Services projects, as needed.
Maintain positive relationships with community partners relevant to program activities.
Submit regular reports to track client outcomes, fulfill reporting requirements, and capture client success stories.
Document services in case logs and maintain up-to-date case files
Occasionally welcome arriving families at the airport
Oversee volunteer activities within program and with clients
Assist in emergencies as they arise
Other duties as assigned

GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience working with refugees or recent immigrants
Case management experience focusing on attainment of outcomes in areas of housing, employment, education, family functioning, or immigration preferred.
Knowledge of local refugee and immigrant populations, the resources available to them, and the state and federal policies that impact them.
Demonstrated understanding of American culture and ability to interpret cultural differences.
Commitment to early self-sufficiency of refugees, asylees and immigrants
Strong motivational and teaching skills.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across organizational boundaries.
Demonstrated ability to maintain detailed records and submit accurate reports in a timely manner.
Strong English language communication skills, both oral and written.
Demonstrated strong communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
Proven ability to work in crisis situations.
Proven capacity to work in fast paced social service environment.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
Bilingual proficiency in Arabic, Dari, Karen, Oromo, Pashto, Russian, Somali, Swahili, Ukrainian or other relevant languages preferred.
Bachelor’s degree or related work experience strongly preferred
Experience with Microsoft Word, Microsoft Outlook preferred. Proven ability to use basic office equipment including copiers, postage machines, and fax machines
Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation required.
Availability to work occasional weekend or evening hours

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND CONDITIONS: Normal office conditions and regular office hours, Monday-Friday, with occasional evening and weekend hours. This position works out of the MCC’s office at 122 West Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis, with regular visits to employers, service providers, and participants’ homes.