Employment Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises. Founded in 1933, the IRC has been dedicated to helping people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. With a mission to restore dignity and hope to those in need, the IRC operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to provide essential services and support to vulnerable populations. The organization focuses on various areas including health, education, economic wellbeing, and protection, ensuring that individuals and families can achieve self-sufficiency and thrive in their new environments.

Job Overview:
The Employment Specialist plays a crucial role in assisting newly arrived refugees and qualified immigrants in achieving self-sufficiency through employment. This position involves guiding clients through various stages of employment preparation, coordinating job placements, and providing career advancement services. The Employment Specialist is expected to conduct thorough intake assessments, develop comprehensive employment plans tailored to each client, and offer job readiness coaching. Additionally, the specialist will connect clients with job opportunities and cultivate long-term relationships with local employers and staffing agencies to facilitate successful job placements. The role also includes monitoring client job performance and providing ongoing support to ensure sustained employment. Financial literacy education is a key component of this position, as the Employment Specialist will assist clients in managing their finances, budgeting, and connecting them with financial resources to promote long-term stability. The position requires collaboration with coworkers and partner organizations to enhance service delivery and client outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Employment Specialist's responsibilities include conducting client intake and assessments to determine eligibility for employment services, providing program orientation, and developing individualized employment plans. The specialist will coach clients on job readiness and job search techniques, while actively connecting them with job opportunities. Building and maintaining relationships with local employers and staffing agencies is essential for identifying suitable employment opportunities for clients. The role also involves assisting clients and employers with any post-placement issues and monitoring client job performance, wage levels, and other relevant metrics. Financial literacy support is provided to clients, including education on budgeting, banking, and credit, as well as connecting them to financial resources such as CEO loans. The Employment Specialist will document client interactions according to program requirements, input client information into databases, and assist with tracking and reporting as necessary. Collaboration with coworkers and partner organizations is vital, as is the ability to travel within the service delivery area using a personal vehicle or public transportation. The specialist may also be responsible for training and leading support staff, volunteers, and interns, and will perform other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Employment Specialist position should possess a Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, although relevant professional experience in the workforce development field may be considered in lieu of a degree. A minimum of 2 years of experience in workforce development is strongly preferred, particularly experience working with refugee and immigrant populations. Familiarity with job placement and job readiness training is also advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate strong relationship-building skills, diplomacy, and networking abilities, with a proven track record of effective communication in multicultural environments. The ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize duties, and maintain attention to detail is essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to utilize digital tools for data entry and research are required.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate for the Employment Specialist role should have a Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field of study. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for understanding the complexities of social services and workforce development, particularly in relation to assisting vulnerable populations such as refugees and immigrants. While a degree is preferred, relevant work experience may be considered as a substitute for formal education.

Experience:
The Employment Specialist position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant professional experience in the workforce development field. Candidates with experience working specifically with refugee and immigrant populations will be given strong preference. Experience in job placement and job readiness training is also beneficial, as it equips the specialist with the necessary skills to effectively assist clients in their employment journey.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, candidates who are proficient in languages spoken by the client group, such as Arabic, Swahili, and Spanish, are highly desired. This linguistic capability enhances the Employment Specialist's ability to communicate effectively with clients and provide tailored support based on their language needs.

Additional Notes:
The Employment Specialist position is a full-time role that may involve a combination of standard office work, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area. The position may require occasional weekend and evening work to accommodate client needs. The compensation for this role ranges from $18.70 to $20.50 per hour, with pay rates determined by factors such as labor market conditions, job type, and individual candidate experience. The IRC is committed to equal opportunity employment and adheres to professional standards that promote integrity, service, equality, and accountability. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program.