Empowerment Specialist - Winchester, VA

Overview

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.

The Empowerment Specialist is responsible for designing, implementing, and evaluating programs that support refugee and immigrant women. The specialist will empower women through trauma-informed, culturally appropriate initiatives that foster leadership, economic independence, psychosocial well-being, and community engagement.

This role requires a deep understanding of gender-specific challenges faced by displaced women, including experiences of trauma, gender-based violence, cultural adjustment, and economic marginalization.

This position is grant funded until September 30 th , 2026.

• Design and deliver empowerment-focused workshops, support groups, and life skills classes (e.g., Self-esteem; boundary setting; domestic violence including financial control; simple mindfulness; consent;
  Budgeting basics and financial literacy;
  Smartphone and computer basics;
  Internet safety and privacy; using apps for communication; education; and banking;
  Understanding reproductive health and rights; prenatal care; menopause;
  Cooking healthy meals with local ingredients;
  Grocery store tours and meal planning on a budget;
  Women’s role in community advocacy;
  Telling your story with confidence;
  Building a collective voice;
  Volunteering;
  Starting local initiatives; How to turn a skill e.g., sewing, cooking, into income; Basics of licensing, permits, and marketing). This may require some weekend work.
• Organize mentorship programs connecting newly arrived women with established female community leaders.
• Coordinate access to vocational training, ESL classes, and employment support with an emphasis on female participants.

• Provide direct support and advocacy for refugee women dealing with domestic violence, mental health concerns, or systemic barriers.
• Refer clients to internal and external resources (e.g., legal aid, health care, childcare, therapy).
• Build trusted relationships with clients to ensure a safe, inclusive, and confidential space.

• Develop partnerships with women-focused organizations, local businesses, and government agencies to expand service options.
• Coordinate culturally inclusive events that promote community building and women’s voices.

• Track participation of workshops in VNIS, track outcomes, maintain accurate and confidential case notes.
• Contribute to Quarterly Grant reports.
• Provide regular updates to leadership.

• Assist Case Aide and other team members in completing FSSP.
• Provide interpretation as necessary.
• Additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, gender studies, psychology, or a related field and/or equivalent work experience in refugee resettlement or related field in lieu of degree.
• Minimum 2 years  experience working with refugee, immigrant, or underserved populations – especially women.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, gender-based violence, and cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Excellent facilitation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural, multilingual team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with case management tools.
• Bilingual in Dari and Pashto.

Preferred

• Experience in community organization or group counseling
• Familiarity with US Resettlement policies, public benefits, and women’s rights resources.

• Must have valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle. Mileage accrued while executing work responsibilities is reimbursable by CWS.
• Must be willing and able to travel.
• The job will require reference checks, standard criminal background checks, and motor vehicle background checks.

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
• 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• Long Term and Short-Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts