Refugee Orientation Coordinator at Catholic Charities Refugee Services

Where will I serve? The Northside CYO building is located three blocks down the road from Assumption Church on the Northside of Syracuse.

Who will I serve? Newly arrived refugees.

What will I do? You will welcome our new neighbors to the United States, providing a friendly and compassionate person to help orient these newly arrived refugees. You will give refugees the help they need to begin to build a new life here in the United States by connecting them to educational, housing, job, language and health care assistance.

What will my day look like?

• Build relationships with and welcome refugees and their families.
• Receive training in services available to refugees and important information for them to know including but not limited to:

• How to access health care / Health Insurance and Medicaid / When to call 911, when to treat an illness or injury at home
• Fire safety / Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors
• Housing / When to call the Landlord / Housekeeping basics / Trash and Recycling
• Acclimating to a new climate / Heating costs / Weatherization
• Driving in the U.S. / Learner’s permit / License / Insurance / Registration / Inspection
• U.S. school system
• Public transportation
• Local resources / Libraries / Parks / Free things to do
• Community safety and U.S. laws
• Immigration Assistance / How to petition for relatives / Green cards / Citizenship
• Employment in the U.S.
• DSS / Public benefits / Limiting reliance and building economic self-sufficiency

• Assist in the development of an orientation program to deliver this information to newly arrived refugees.
• Deliver this orientation session on a regular basis, likely weekly or 3 half-day sessions every other week.
• Organize field trips and walking tours to reinforce the delivery of this information.
• Assist in resume preparation, interview skills, job searches, employment support and job development.
• Assist in English language/ESL education.
• Assist refugees in obtaining vital documentation including driver’s licenses and employment paperwork.
• Assist in the organization and administration of the Match Grant Program.

What gifts and talents will I bring and grow in? Ability to work with a diverse population. A welcoming, friendly and compassionate demeanor. An interest in hearing the stories of others. Patience and understanding. An interest in the immigration and refugee system.