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  

 



 

POSITION TITLE:  Refugee Employment & Outreach Specialist

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:  Regular, 1 FTE, non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager of Employment 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 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.

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 will create, foster and manage relationships with potential and current employers to increase employment opportunities for participants of MCC and partner agency programs. The position will also assist program participants to seek, secure, and maintain employment leading to self-sufficiency as early as possible.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Employer Outreach / Job Development

  • Seek out new employers to create employment opportunities for participants in MCC and partner agencies’ employment programs
  • Develop relationships with industry and community leaders, including trade organizations, chambers of commerce and civic groups
  • Maintain relationships with existing employers.
  • Conduct informational interviews and participate in tours of businesses with potential employers to learn about the businesses, their work environments, and current or anticipated future opportunities
  • Work with partners to convene job fairs and hiring events
  • Share employment opportunities with employment counselors at MCC and partner agencies
  • Convene an Employer Advisory Committee to network with employers and build understanding of employers of how to effectively employ those with refugee status

Employment Placement / Client Service

  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Knowledge and understanding of local labor markets and employer networks
  • 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.
  • 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 capacity to work in fast paced social service environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team.
  • Bilingual proficiency in 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.

 

COMPENSATION: Starts at $21.50/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.

 


 

POSITION TITLE: Custodian
EMPLOYMENT STATUS: Regular, 1 FTE, non-exempt
REPORTS TO: Building Supervisor

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.

PURPOSE OF POSITION:
Custodian shall assist the Building Supervisor being a full-time Custodian in the care and maintenance and all-around safety of the building and grounds and program set-ups.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
1) Custodian shall be assigned specific areas for care, maintenance, protection and preservation of the facility.
2) In his or her area, the following shall be complete and maintained:

a) Cleanliness
b) Appearance
c) Orderliness
d) Cleaning, dusting, window washing, sweeping, washing and any other good housekeeping duties in the areas to which they have been assigned.

3) Minor maintenance repairs in his/her area.
4) Work on all events set ups that may occur on his/her work shift and the next day’s events scheduled.
5) Responsible for the security of the entire facility on and during his/her shift.

QUALIFICATIONS
• Must be well organized and able to work independently.
• Experience in custodial care of buildings of similar classification
• Able to lift 50 + pounds.
• Able to use various cleaning machines and yard equipment.

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.

COMPENSATION: Starts at $19.50/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 The Minnesota Council of Churches.

 


  

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 $22/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: 

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 MCC Mankato office opened in 2012 to serve the needs of refugees and immigrants in Greater Mankato area.

 

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:  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. 2nd 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.

 


HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for a current job opportunity, submit your completed application to employment@mnchurches.org.