Church World Service (CWS) is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster. CWS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.

The CWS local Offices work with refugees and immigrants to provide services to communities in need. We are a highly motivated, mission-driven team eager to create a welcoming place for all neighbors. CWS is a fun and supportive organization, with competitive salary and benefits.

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.

Primary Purpose:

The Pre-Arrival Processing Officer is responsible for promoting high quality pre-arrival services across the CWS resettlement network. The Pre-Arrival Processing Officer will act as CWS’ focal point for assurances, travel, and post-arrival SIV walk-in processing. This position liaises with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and CWS resettlement network regarding newcomers’ travel arrangements and arrival information on a daily basis and ensures all assurances and case changes are reflected in CWS’ case management database. The position monitors the changing needs of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) by analyzing trends of local resettlement agency arrivals and supporting an even flow of arrivals to local offices. An important prerequisite for this position is the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team in a collegial manner and to work independently to carry assignments through to completion. Strong attention to detail, problem solving and customer services skills are essential to this position. 

 

This position is anticipated to be funded through September 30, 2026.

Essential Duties:

• Process all Advance Booking Notifications (ABNs), domestic bookings, travel cancellations and deletions, departure notices, and rebooking notifications received from the International Organization for Migration. Vet and submit all post-arrival SIV walk-in requests to the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR).
• Process all Amended Assurance and Case Change reports for the CWS network on a daily basis.
• Process assurances and export data files to the Refugee Processing Center (RPC).
• Assist the Deputy Director of Pre-Arrival Services with reconciling arrivals with ORR monthly.
• Liaise with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to secure accurate and timely information on newcomer case movements from their overseas locations to the United States.
• Collect after-hour contact (AOC) information from the CWS network and maintain contact list on IOM’s AOC Portal.
• Liaise with local resettlement agency and IOM staff to ensure the timely submission of medical, and ground transportation handover information.
• Maintain up-to-date self-education about the Program for Initial Resettlement (PIR) and develop specific expertise in assigned aspects of resettlement programming. Ensure other unit colleagues are informed as appropriate. 
• Maintains current knowledge of all Pre-Arrival Unit functions and serves as back-up as requested.
• Maintains positive working relationships with CWS-HQ staff, local resettlement agency staff & external partners through professional communication.
• Keep abreast of new changes in refugee processing procedures by reviewing monthly reports, statistical analysis & other documents.
• Liaise with other unit colleagues for the purpose of sharing relevant information regarding resettlement sites.
• Develop and maintain training resources for local resettlement agencies as it relates to pre-arrival processes.
• As requested, represent CWS at internal and external conferences, meetings, committees and working groups with CWS colleagues, national Resettlement Agencies, federal partners and other stakeholders.
• Performs other related duties and projects as requested.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in lieu of degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years of previous work experience in a local resettlement agency or a national office of a resettlement agency.
• Excellent project and data management skills.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills and ability to manage a large and diverse workload under pressure and with competing priorities.
• Ability to maintain a high-performance standard with attention to detail.
• Experience in general office work, processing information and materials and maintaining records and files.

 

Skills:

• Strong interpersonal and diplomacy skills; ability to work collaboratively and effectively with partners and teams.
• Strong attention to detail a must
• Ability to conduct oneself in a professional and courteous manner at all times to represent the professional and institutional interests of CWS.
• Strong knowledge and experience in working with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and database software is essential.
• Strong writing skills required.
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment required.

 

 

Work Location:

 

This position is a remote US-based role with in-person responsibilities.  Employees with a remote work arrangement must be able to fulfil the following conditions:

• Ability to maintain secure and appropriate personal work environment for day-to-day work
• Access to strong and reliable internet access.
• Ability to adhere to CWS data security policies and protect sensitive and personally identifiable information
• Regular work hours must span core business hours 10AM-4PM Eastern time
• Close proximity to U.S. airport and ability to travel to attend CWS and external meetings, conferences, site visits and other in-person engagements.
• Must use CWS provided equipment such as laptop and cell phone

CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:          

- 403 (b) Retirement Plan                                              
- Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance                                                 
- Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years) 
- 14 Official Holidays 
- Sick Time Off (12 Accrued monthly)                                     
- Life Insurance and AD&D                                            
- Long Term and Short-Term Disability                                                 
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)                                                
- Health Savings Account                                              
- Flexible Spending Accounts         
 
CWS is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.