Refugee Support Service Employment Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that helps people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. Established in 1933, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 regional offices across the United States, including Wichita, Kansas. The organization focuses on providing essential services to refugees and displaced individuals, ensuring they can thrive in their new environments. The IRC Wichita office has been assisting refugees since 2011, offering a range of services such as trauma-informed family support, economic empowerment, education for youth and adults, and immigration services. The mission of the IRC is to help those in need rebuild their lives and regain control of their future in their new home.

Job Overview:
The Refugee Support Service Employment Specialist plays a crucial role in assisting refugees and qualified immigrants in achieving self-sufficiency through employment. This position involves guiding clients through employment preparation, coordinating job placements, and providing various career advancement services. The Employment Specialist is expected to conduct client intake and assessments, develop comprehensive employment plans, and provide job readiness coaching. The role requires building long-term relationships with local employers and staffing agencies to identify suitable job opportunities for clients. Additionally, the Employment Specialist will monitor client job performance and assist with any post-placement issues, ensuring that clients receive the support they need to maintain their employment. This position is vital in helping refugees integrate into the workforce and achieve economic independence.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Refugee Support Service Employment Specialist include: conducting intake assessments and providing program orientation to clients eligible for employment services; developing comprehensive employment plans and budget strategies for each employable adult; providing job readiness and job search coaching; connecting clients with job opportunities; developing and cultivating long-term relationships with area employers and staffing agencies; assisting clients and employers with post-placement issues; monitoring client job performance, wage levels, and related metrics; detailing each client interaction in accordance with program requirements; inputting client information into databases and assisting with tracking and reporting; collaborating effectively with coworkers and partner organizations; building and maintaining relationships with area service providers; using personal, insured vehicles and/or public transportation to travel and transport clients and materials; and potentially training and leading support staff, volunteers, and interns. Other duties may be assigned as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
The required qualifications for the Refugee Support Service Employment Specialist position include a Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field of study, although relevant professional experience in the workforce development field is also acceptable. A minimum of 2 years of experience is strongly preferred, particularly experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations. Candidates should have experience with job placement and job readiness training, as well as strong relationship-building, diplomacy, and networking skills. The ability to effectively communicate and work in a multi-cultural environment is essential. Candidates must be self-starters with excellent problem-solving skills, capable of multi-tasking, prioritizing duties, and managing time effectively. Attention to detail and accuracy in work products is crucial, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and a valid driver’s license with access to a personal, insured vehicle.

Educational Background:
Candidates for the Refugee Support Service Employment Specialist position should ideally possess a Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of social services and workforce development, particularly in relation to refugee and immigrant populations. While a degree is preferred, relevant professional experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education.

Experience:
The position requires relevant professional experience in the workforce development field, with a minimum of 2 years strongly preferred. Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations is highly desirable, as it equips candidates with the necessary skills and understanding to effectively assist clients in their employment journeys. Familiarity with job placement and job readiness training is also beneficial, as these experiences will enhance the candidate's ability to support clients in achieving self-sufficiency through employment.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in languages spoken by the client group is desired, as it can significantly enhance communication and rapport with clients from diverse backgrounds. This linguistic capability is particularly important in a multi-cultural environment where effective communication is key to successful service delivery.

Additional Notes:
The working environment for this position includes a combination of standard office settings, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area. The role may require occasional weekend and/or evening work to accommodate client needs. Compensation for this position is based on various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, considering all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plan with immediate vesting matching, disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program available to staff and their families.