Asylum Services Navigator

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement.  

Job Overview:

The Asylum Services Navigator plays a critical role in directly supporting asylum seekers and other migrants as they navigate the complex U.S. asylum system and access essential services. This position requires a compassionate and culturally sensitive individual who can build rapport with clients and effectively assess their needs. The Asylum Services Navigator will be responsible for conducting intakes, providing information and resource navigation, and facilitating referrals to appropriate services.

Major Responsibilities:

Client Intake and Eligibility Determination:

• Conduct comprehensive intake interviews with asylum seekers and other migrants, gathering relevant information about their background, legal status, and needs.

• Determine eligibility for program services based on established criteria and guidelines.

• Explain program services, client rights and responsibilities, and obtain consent for reviewing immigration documentation.

• Participate in outreach and intake pop-up events to facilitate access to the program for eligible communities across Washington State.

Information and Resource Navigation:

• Provide accurate and up-to-date information to asylum seekers about the asylum process, available resources, and relevant legal rights.

• Assist clients in navigating complex systems and accessing essential services such as housing, healthcare, legal aid, and public benefits.

• Develop individualized service plans and facilitate referrals to appropriate service providers.

Needs Assessment:

• Assess clients' immediate needs and flag urgent health, safety, or shelter concerns for Referrals and Crisis Response team members.

• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to identify ongoing needs and develop appropriate referral plans.

• Collaborate with the Asylum Services Supervisor to ensure timely and appropriate support for clients.

Data Collection and Reporting:

• Collect and maintain accurate client data, including demographic information, needs assessments, service plans, and referrals.

• Utilize the electronic database and newcomer management system to track client interactions and outcomes.

• Contribute to program reports and evaluations by providing timely and accurate data.

Other:

• Support the front desk by receiving and responding to the needs of walk-in clients.

• Other related duties as assigned based on program needs.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Asylum Services Supervisor

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Senior Asylum Services Manager, Referrals Team, Community Engagement Coordinator, Program Support Coordinator, Asylum Services Navigators, Senior Crisis Response Navigators, Data Scientist, Finance Team, Operations Team.

External: Migrant and refugee communities, other asylum service agencies in WA.

Job Requirements:

Education

• Relevant degree or equivalent experience. Lived experience as an asylee, refugee, or immigrant is preferred

Work Experience

• Experience and demonstrated excellence as an Asylum Services Navigator in the WA MASS Project.

• Experience in case management, social services, or a related role working directly with asylum seekers or other vulnerable populations.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies Qualifications

• Lived experience as an asylee, refugee, or immigrant is preferred.

• Ability to document client interactions and services provided and maintain updated and accurate documentation.

• Fluency in English and at least one other relevant language commonly spoken by asylum seekers in the region (e.g., Spanish, French, or Portuguese) is preferred.

• Advanced technological proficiency. Demonstrated ability to quickly master new systems and client/program management software.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with clients from diverse backgrounds.

• Strong cultural competency and understanding of the unique challenges faced by asylum seekers.

• Experience with data entry, collection, and virtual case management preferred.

• Knowledge of the U.S. asylum system, relevant legal resources, and available services for asylum seekers.

• Effective time management skills and ability to focus and work productively in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member in a multi-cultural environment.

• Valid driver’s license and insurance.

Working Environment:

• Must live in Washington State and be available to travel for work

• Standard, professional office environment; office and field work, some remote work based on project capacity

• Will require occasional weekend and /or evening work

INTERNAL CANDIDATES ONLY – IRC Spokane and Seattle Locations
This position is open exclusively to internal candidates based in IRC Spokane and Seattle offices.

This position is expected to end on June 30, 2027.

Compensation: (Pay Rate: $28-$29.50/hr). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements. 

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why Choose the IRC?

Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

Challenging work, innovative solutions: We’re committed to excellence and innovation, and pride ourselves in setting industry-leading standards while practicing evidence and data-lead strategies. Come challenge norms, shatter conventions, and pioneer change while working on real, nuanced and complex issues we face in the world today.  

Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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Our Typical Recruitment Process

The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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