CHSS G.O.L.D. - Graduate of the Last Decade - Figueroa

JeanPaul Figueroa

BA Global Affairs '17, MA '21

JeanPaul Figueroa is a dedicated advocate and seasoned professional committed to supporting vulnerable and at-risk populations, with a particular focus on children escaping violence. He holds a bachelor's and master of arts in global affairs from George Mason University and a graduate certificate in forced migration from the University of Oxford.

Figueroa currently serves as the program manager for training and technical assistance in the Home Study and Post Release Services Program (HSPRS) at Church World Service (CWS) in Washington, D.C. In this role, he leads the development and implementation of comprehensive training programs for case management services, ensuring compliance with Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) standards across a network of 230 employees. He also organizes and facilitates training sessions, provides live technical assistance, and manages courses within the learning management system to continuously improve staff competencies and service delivery.

Prior to this, Figueroa served as the regional supervisor for the HSPRS Program at CWS, where he supervised case management activities, provided technical assistance, and developed partnerships within regional communities to support children's access to services. He also led hiring efforts and ensured staff compliance with ORR policies.

At the Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights Coalition, Figueroa worked as a social services coordinator and senior legal assistant in the detained unaccompanied children’s program. He provided trauma-informed interventions, managed high-need caseloads, coordinated services with community partners, and conducted Know Your Rights presentations and intakes with detained minors, preparing cases for pro bono placement.

His experience also includes serving as a court programs case manager for OAR: Opportunities, Alternatives, and Resources, Fairfax County’s alternative sentencing program, where he conducted intakes and assessments, provided case management services, and facilitated an integrated skills program for alternatives to domestic violence. Additionally, he worked as a post release services case manager and home study specialist at Mary’s Center, where he completed assessments of potential placements, provided post-placement services, and established a network of pro bono legal resources and care providers for unaccompanied immigrant minors.

Figueroa is a recipient of the Dream.us Scholarship. He has completed extensive training in motivational interviewing, suicide prevention, cultural humility, and domestic violence-related topics, as well as more than 50 hours of training related to youth development, trauma on children, and working with unaccompanied minors through reputable institutions.

His volunteer and consulting experience includes serving as a child advocate at The Young Center for Immigrant Children, a volunteer consultant for Crea+ in Peru, and a Basics Facilitator at Georgetown University.

Combining a robust educational foundation with significant hands-on experience, Figueroa is deeply committed to improving the lives of vulnerable populations through compassionate service and effective leadership. His career reflects a profound dedication to advocating for human rights and fostering community partnerships to support unaccompanied minors and refugees.