Successful programs serving refugees and newcomers are built on a foundation of coordinated, responsive, and client-centered services that support long-term stability, integration, and self-sufficiency. Delivering these programs effectively requires strong partnerships, thoughtful coordination, and a shared commitment to guiding newcomers through complex systems and connecting them with the resources they need to thrive.
This onboarding guide is designed for new service providers. It provides a foundational overview of who refugees are, the pathways through which they arrive in the United States, and the systems that support their resettlement. It is relevant for new staff working across various roles within refugee and immigrant-serving organizations, including those delivering or managing programs at the local or state level. It is intended to be customized with organization-specific training, including any in-house requirements, as well as specific focus areas for the programs and populations your agency serves.
Switchboard also offers other sample onboarding guides for specialized program areas, including Comprehensive Case Management, Intensive Case Management, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Housing, and Matching Grant. In addition to reading materials, recorded webinars, and other resources, these guides include spaces for additional activities including training from supervisors, shadowing colleagues, and reviewing procedural material
