Education & Employment Program Manager na Catholic Social Services

The Program Manager plays a central leadership role in the Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS) department, overseeing one or more programmatic areas that support refugee and immigrant integration through direct services and systems navigation. These may include Employment & Education, Reception & Placement (R&P), Immigration Legal Services, Case Management, and Set-Aside Programs such as Refugee Health Promotion, Refugee School Impact, Youth Mentoring, and Services to Older Refugees.

This role provides high-level coordination, staff supervision, grant oversight, and programmatic leadership to ensure all services are culturally competent, trauma-informed, and aligned with federal, state, and agency regulations. The Program Manager collaborates across internal teams and with external partners to promote refugee self-sufficiency and long-term stability.

CSS is a Catholic human and social services agency and behavioral health care provider that welcomes people of all faiths through its programs and employment. We provide help for our Alaskan neighbors through a variety of supportive service programs, including emergency shelter, food stability, housing, case management, and refugee assistance. CSS empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, CSS is a nationally accredited organization through the Council on Accreditation (COA), which recognizes that CSS provides high quality services that meet best practice standards in the social service field.

 Mission: To promote the physical, spiritual and mental welfare of persons in need in the community. This mission is achieved by:

• Offering charitable assistance to those in need, especially persons who are poor
• Developing and conducting programs to strengthen and support families and the dignity of the human spirit
• Administering the Corporal Works of Mercy and Gospel of Jesus Christ as defined by the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church and envisioned by the traditional concepts of Catholic Social Teaching and Action through the laity
• And advocating for social justice for the common good of all

Refugee Assistance & Immigration Services (RAIS) provides a bridge for refugees (individuals who have had to flee their countries of origin due to the tragedies of persecution and war) and other new arrivals from their former life experiences to the new skills required for success in the United States. Through a focus on economic self-sufficiency, community integration, and a respect for unique cultures, history and traditions, RAIS creates an environment of compassion and encouragement for refugees to flourish.

Must be able to maintain program/guest/agency confidentiality and professional boundaries while treating each individual with dignity and respect.

Highly organized with keen attention to detail.

Self-motivated and directed with the ability to work alone or as part of a team.

Works well within a rapidly changing environment. Supports group decisions and puts group goals ahead of personal goals.

Communicates openly and honestly.

Deals with difficult and adverse events while maintaining professionalism.

Responds appropriately in the face of tension, emotion, and resistance and seeks support from others when necessary.

Demonstrated leadership, dependability, maturity, creativity, discretion, initiative, and flexibility. Ability and desire to work with a variety of people to carry out the mission and purpose of the program.

Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Familiarity with Alaska’s healthcare system and public benefits programs, with the ability to support refugees in accessing medical care and language services.
• Knowledge of the local school system, including strategies for supporting and orienting refugee families in navigating U.S. education systems.
• Strong grasp of community resources and systems navigation to connect clients with appropriate support services.
• Foundational knowledge of immigration law or a strong willingness to learn and stay updated on relevant policy changes.

Skill:

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong oral and written communication skills. Bilingual preferred.
• Proficient in basic office applications such as Word, Excel, etc.
• Familiarity with computers, internet and experience with e-mail required.
• Ability to gather information and assess client situation rapidly and accurately.
• Ability to complete paperwork thoroughly and accurately.
• Ability to write grant and program reports.
• Ability to compile data related to grant outcomes, and complete paperwork thoroughly, accurately and timely.
• Ability to develop effective improvement plans as well as the aptitude to build partnerships to see those plans through to completion.
• Bilingual preferred.
• Adaptability.
• Problem solving.
• Willingness to learn.
• Critical thinking.
• Budget management
• Employee supervision.
• Discretion, flexibility, and organizational ability sufficient to fulfill position responsibility with minimum supervision.
• Ability to relate to other employees, program participants and the public.

Program Leadership & Oversight

• Manage day-to-day operations of assigned programs including staff scheduling, service delivery coordination, and compliance with federal (ORR, USCCB, DOJ), state (DPA), and local grantor requirements.
• Oversee the implementation of education and employment readiness programs, resettlement services, medical and behavioral health case management, youth mentorship, school integration, and senior programming.
• Lead initiatives to continuously improve service quality and client outcomes through evidence-based practices and client feedback.

Team Supervision & Support

• Directly supervise a multidisciplinary team including case managers, employment specialists, youth mentors, health educators, and legal assistants.
• Facilitate onboarding, coaching, professional development, and performance evaluations.
• Provide guidance on complex client cases, staff mediation, and on-the-ground support during staff vacancies or high-need periods.

Client-Focused Services

• Ensure equitable and timely access to housing, healthcare, education, employment, public benefits, and legal support.
• Support intensive case management for vulnerable populations including victims of trafficking, medically complex individuals, and high-need youth or seniors.
• Promote client-centered approaches and uphold cultural and linguistic accessibility across services.

Data Management & Reporting

• Oversee documentation and data tracking using platforms such as Apricot or other agency databases.
• Lead grant monitoring, outcome tracking, and the submission of reports to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR), State Refugee Coordinator, Department of Public Assistance (DPA), and other funders.
• Conduct file audits and implement corrective action plans as needed.

Community & Partner Engagement

• Develop and maintain partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, employers, behavioral health services, interpreters, and community-based organizations.
• Represent RAIS at meetings, events, and in communication with external stakeholders.
• Advocate for system-level improvements in refugee access to services such as medical interpretation and school supports.

Grants & Compliance

• Oversee set-aside grants including Youth Mentoring, Refugee School Impact, Services to Older Refugees, and Refugee Health Promotion, ensuring alignment with program goals and compliance standards.
• Assist in writing and preparing grant proposals and renewal documentation.

Minimum Education Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, counseling, business, or a related field. Four (4) years of relevant experience may be substituted for the education requirement.  

Minimum Experience Requirement: Two (2) years of experience working in health or human services required, preferably in a non-profit or state agency. Experience must include at least one (1) years of supervisory experience. 

A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered.   

Physical demands: Work is performed in a standard indoor office environment. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. Frequently sitting or standing at a desk for several hours at a time. 

Travel: Frequent travel within Anchorage is required.  Occasional travel to Wasilla office. 

Location: 4600 Debarr Road, Anchorage, AK.