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 Program Specialist: Employment Counselor 

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:  Regular, Full-Time, non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager of Resettlement Services

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

To provide and coordinate services to refugees and asylees which promote self sufficiency and goal attainment in compliance with MCCRS programs and contracts.  This program works specifically within employment services to assist refugees to seek, secure, and maintain employment leading to self sufficiency as early as possible. 

 RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Conduct intake and assessments to determine client eligibility for program(s).
  • Encourage early self sufficiency and independence of all program participants.
  • Develop plans with program participants empowering them to reach agreed-upon goals and meet program guidelines. 

    -       Assist clients develop skills to reach defined personal and program goals.

    -       Provide direct assistance to clients based on program goals, client goal plans, and position work plan.  

    -       Provide follow up services to ensure program goals and client needs are met.

    -       Make appropriate and meaningful referrals to meet client needs, as appropriate.

    -       Explain application procedures to individuals and/or assist participants to complete forms.

  • Work closely with MCC colleagues to ensure that refugees are integrated into the broader array of services available in the organization
  • Promote MCC Refugee Services Programs to potential clients and recruit clients to meet enrollment goals.  
  • Meet outcome goals defined in contract (s) related to four lines of service.  Including the following:
  • Assist refugees/asylees to develop and implement an employment plan leading to employment and self sufficiency.
  • Assist refugees/asylees to overcome barriers to self-sufficiency.
  • Provide translation and interpretation support for other Refugee Services projects, as needed. 
  • Provide ongoing cultural orientation to program participants
  • 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 all contacts and services in case files, as appropriate
  • Oversee volunteer activities, as appropriate.
  • Assist in emergencies as they arise
  • Other duties as assigned

 GENERAL 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 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.
  • Bilingual proficiency preferred. Preferred languages include Somali, Oromo, Karen, Swahili, Arabic, or other relevant languages.
  • Demonstrated strong communication, negotiation, and mediation skills.
  • Proven ability to work in crisis situations.
  • Prefer case management experience focusing on attainment of outcomes in areas of employment, housing, education, 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.
  • 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
  • Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation required.

 

 

POSITION TITLE:  Refugee Program Specialist: Community Connector

EMPLOYMENT STATUS:  Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt

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

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND: 

Minnesota Council of Churches (MCC) Non-Profit Organization welcomes refugees, asylees, humanitarian parolees and other new Americans into new lives of freedom, hope and opportunity in Minnesota through our Refugee Services Program. 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.”

Our Non-Profit Organization 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 COMMUNITY CONNECTOR 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. Working across MCC Refugee Services programs, the position works in coordination with other staff to help participants meet their basic needs, connect to services and become self-sufficient. 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMUNITY CONNECTOR

  • 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: 

  • Preferred fluency in Dari and Pashto. Other languages considered.
  • 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.
  • 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 near downtown Minneapolis, with offsite meetings 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: $21.50/hour

 

 

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.  


 

Document: 
PDF icon Download MCC Employment Application with signature field.pdf (1.84 MB)