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CIRI

Refugee Health Intern

Bridgeport, CT · On-site

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

This unpaid internship provides an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience in refugee resettlement, social services, and client advocacy. Key Responsibilities * Assist clients in ...

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How much do refugee advocate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for refugee advocate in the United States is $21.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.07 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Refugee Advocate vs Immigration Counselor?

Refugee AdvocateImmigration Counselor
Provides legal support, advocacy, and resources for refugeesAssists clients with immigration paperwork and legal processes
Typically requires knowledge of refugee laws and policiesRequires understanding of immigration laws and procedures
Works in non-profit, government, or legal settingsWorks in legal clinics, government agencies, or private practices

Both roles involve assisting individuals with immigration-related issues, but Refugee Advocates focus more on supporting refugees' rights and integration, while Immigration Counselors primarily help clients navigate legal paperwork and procedures. The roles often overlap in skills and work environments, but their primary focus differs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Refugee Advocate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refugee Advocate, you need a solid understanding of immigration law, case management, and cross-cultural communication, usually supported by a relevant degree such as social work or international relations. Familiarity with legal databases, case management software, and knowledge of government or NGO systems is often required. Compassion, resilience, and strong interpersonal skills set top advocates apart when supporting vulnerable populations. These skills are vital to effectively navigate complex legal processes, build trust, and secure critical resources for refugees.

What are Refugee Advocates?

Refugee Advocates are professionals or volunteers who support and represent the interests of refugees and asylum seekers. They help individuals navigate complex legal systems, access essential services like housing, healthcare, and education, and ensure their rights are protected. Refugee Advocates may also engage in policy work, raise public awareness, and collaborate with governmental and non-governmental organizations to improve conditions for refugees. Their work plays a crucial role in helping displaced people rebuild their lives in new communities.

What are some common challenges Refugee Advocates face when supporting clients, and how can they effectively address them?

Refugee Advocates often encounter challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, and navigating complex legal and social service systems. Building trust with clients—many of whom have experienced trauma—is essential and can require patience and cultural sensitivity. Effective advocates leverage interpreters, collaborate closely with legal professionals, and work within multidisciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive support. Staying informed about changes in immigration policies and local resources also helps advocates provide accurate guidance and referrals.
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What cities are hiring for Refugee Advocate jobs? Cities with the most Refugee Advocate job openings:
What states have the most Refugee Advocate jobs? States with the most job openings for Refugee Advocate jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Refugee Advocate jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Refugee Advocate jobs are:
Refugee Advocate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refugee Advocate job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $45,058 per year, or $21.7 per hour.
RIFS Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DV/SA) Advocate 1

RIFS Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DV/SA) Advocate 1

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization

Portland, OR • Hybrid

$48K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Description

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org.  


POSITION:                           RIFS Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DV/SA) Advocate 1

JOB CLASS/GRADE:            Specialist 1 / Grade 8

WAGE:                                   Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience 

FLSA; EEO; WC:                   Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864

LOCATIONS:                        Slavic and Eastern European Center (SEEC)

                                               555 SE 99th Ave, Suite #101, Portland, OR 97005

                                               Hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 days WFH)

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS:          1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (1)

APPLY AT:                            www.irco.org 

STATUS:                                Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S):                      Refugee & Immigrant Family Strengthening (RIFS)

SECTOR/DIVISION:             Survivor Services/Community Safety & Wellbeing

REQUIREMENTS:                Fluency in English required, bilingual required (Russian & Ukrainian 

                                               are priority languages)

                                               Background check required

                                               Must possess a valid driver's license and verification of current

                                               auto-insurance, and have full use of automobile during work hours


Program Summary
The Refugee & Immigrant Family Strengthening (RIFS) program was launched by IRCO in 1998 in response to the large volume of immigrants and refugees coming to the Tri-County area who were survivors of abuse. These newly arrived community members did not know how or where to go for services or resources and faced additional community, religious, or language barriers to obtaining such support. RIFS was designed to be a unique, community focused program that serves immigrant and refugee survivors of domestic violence and sexual abuse. RIFS is comprised of a team of Advocates who help survivors with safety planning, crisis intervention, emergency and stabilized housing solutions, intensive bilingual case management, interpretation, translation services, building self-sufficiency, accessing grants or other assistance funds, legal advocacy and court accompaniment, transportation, and immigration issues. RIFS also conducts prevention education and outreach in our immigrant and refugee communities and beyond.


Position Summary
RIFS Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault (DV/SA) Advocate 1 assist individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. RIFS DV/SA Advocates utilize a survivor-centered, strengths-based, empowerment model to cultivate trust, establish and promote trauma-informed communication, and provide advocacy, direct services and support, and case management that facilitates, encourages, and assists clients to reach their goals.


Unified Response is composed of six organizations who provide confidential advocacy to survivors at Sexual Assault Nurse Exams (SANE) and strangulation exams at various hospital and mental health sites. Unified Response advocates provide emotional support, trauma-informed next steps, survivor-centered options, and act as a liaison between various systems. Unified Response currently responds within Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties.


Essential Functions

  • Adhere to program, agency, and federal legal policies on client confidentiality
  • Implement a survivor-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed empowerment model in assisting clients to heal and attain stability as driven by their priorities and goals
  • Collaborate with internal and external service providers to identify survivors and cases affected by domestic violence
  • Assess potential participants for eligibility, conduct intake sessions utilizing assessment and evaluation procedures and best practices, and conduct eligibility screening for other services
  • Navigate risk assessment alongside survivors and provide immediate and ongoing safety planning
  • Develop a case management plan for each participant, provide short-term crisis intervention for participants who wish to access services which include but are not limited to, emergency shelters and motels; supports for long term housing stability; assistance with restraining orders and stalking orders; peer supports; mental health services; securing employment; and referrals for other relevant services
  • Assist participants in navigating and accessing appropriate services and follow through on referrals
  • Advocate and coordinate with service providers, attorneys, law enforcement, the legal system, other Advocates, and management to serve the needs of clients
  • Access family legal services and obtain protective orders (restraining orders or stalking orders) for participants when necessary
  • Make referrals to legal immigration services; assist participants in gathering documents and evidence, write letters of support when requested, and obtain clearance from law enforcement
  • Provide or secure interpretation, translation, and accessibility services
  • Maintain confidential participant files including records of intakes, case management plans, and all contacts and referral
  • Maintain a high level of confidentiality of participants in identifying information. Confidentiality standards must meet the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) minimum standards. For complete list of standards please visit https://www.justice.gov/ovw/legislation
  • Complete data entry, case notes, client file updates, reports, and all other program/IRCO administrative tasks within given timelines
  • Be prepared to travel to hospital and mental health sites to support sexual assault and strangulation survivors
  • Offer survivors with clear and direct options concerning confidentiality, medical exams, community resources, and next steps. Liaison with medical staff if needed, and respect survivor-centered choices.

Secondary Functions

  • Perform outreach and educational activities within immigrant and refugee communities and local service providers
  • Actively participate in relevant network meetings, regular internal IRCO meetings, and community engagement events and presentations
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Education: High school diploma is required, some college course work preferred
  • Experience: Experience in advocacy and/or at a nonprofit is required
  • Certification: 40 hours Domestic Violence Advocate Certification within 10 working days of hire
  • Fluency in English required, bilingual required (Russian and Ukrainian are priority languages)
  • Computers: All positions at IRCO require use of a computer and experience working with Microsoft products such as Microsoft 365, Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Strong analytical, problem-solving skills
  • Strong skills in community focused, interpersonal, and organizational communication
  • Communicate effectively in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone
  • Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multi-background team and organization
  • Fluency in in another language (Russian and Ukrainian are priority languages)

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

  • Hybrid setting job
  • Physical: Position requires little physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or constant movement, but does allow for movement needed to complete work tasks
  • Mental: There is regular variation in tasks and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completed
  • Environment: This level has a work environment that is well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles.  There is very little element of personal risk or hazard.  Job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable.
  • Schedule: The work schedule occasionally fluctuates based on organization or customer needs. This fluctuation may occur with or without prior notice.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.


What We Offer

IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit packages to our staff:

  • Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
  • Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
  • Work that helps your community 
  • 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year 
  • 401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting 
  • 3% match for student loans or college savings 
  • 12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
  • Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
  • Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance 
  • Flexible spending accounts

Required Engagement 

Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO's mission, vision, and values-based initiatives. 


How To Apply

  1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.  
  2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.  
  3. For questions about this position, please email jobs@irco.org

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO's main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application. 


IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws. 

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