Employment Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a humanitarian organization that responds to some of the world's most severe crises, providing essential support to individuals and communities affected by conflict and disaster. Established in 1933, the IRC has a long history of helping refugees and displaced persons rebuild their lives. The organization operates in over 50 countries, focusing on restoring safety, dignity, and hope to millions who have been uprooted. With a mission to assist those in need, the IRC employs a diverse workforce dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of vulnerable populations.

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 develop comprehensive employment plans tailored to each client's needs, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills and resources to secure and maintain employment. The role requires building relationships with local employers and staffing agencies to identify job opportunities, as well as providing ongoing support to clients post-placement to address any employment-related challenges they may face. Additionally, the Employment Specialist will integrate financial literacy education into employment services, helping clients manage their finances effectively and achieve long-term financial stability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Employment Specialist's responsibilities include conducting intake assessments and providing program orientation to clients eligible for employment services. They will develop individualized employment plans and budget strategies for each employable adult, ensuring that clients are prepared for job readiness and job search activities. The specialist will connect clients with job opportunities and cultivate long-term relationships with local employers and staffing agencies to facilitate job placements. They will assist clients and employers with any post-placement issues and monitor client job performance, wage levels, and related metrics to ensure successful employment outcomes. Providing financial literacy support is also a key duty, which includes educating clients on budgeting, banking, credit, and connecting them to financial resources. The Employment Specialist will document client interactions according to program requirements, input client information into databases, and collaborate with coworkers and partner organizations to enhance service delivery. They may also train and lead support staff, volunteers, and interns, and are expected to travel within the service delivery area using a personal vehicle or public transportation as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Employment Specialist position should possess a Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field of study, although relevant professional experience in workforce development is also highly valued. A minimum of 2 years of experience in the workforce development field is strongly preferred, particularly experience working with refugee and immigrant populations. Familiarity with job placement and job readiness training is considered a plus. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong relationship-building skills, diplomacy, and networking abilities, with a proven track record of effective communication in a multicultural environment. They should be self-motivated, possess excellent problem-solving skills, and be capable of managing multiple tasks and priorities effectively. Attention to detail and accuracy in work is essential, along with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to utilize digital tools for data entry and research.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field is preferred for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge and skills necessary to support clients effectively in their employment journey and to navigate the complexities of workforce development.

Experience:
The Employment Specialist role requires relevant professional experience in the workforce development field, with a minimum of 2 years of experience strongly preferred. Candidates with experience working specifically with refugee and immigrant populations will be given priority, as this experience is crucial for understanding the unique challenges faced by these groups in the job market. Experience in job placement and job readiness training is also beneficial for this position.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this role. Additionally, proficiency in languages spoken by the client group, such as Arabic, Swahili, and Spanish, is highly desired, as it enhances communication and support for clients from diverse backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
This position is a combination of standard office work, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area. It 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, depending on various factors such as the labor market, job type, and individual candidate experience. The position is expected to end on February 12, 202

• The IRC emphasizes adherence to its values and principles, including integrity, service, and accountability, and enforces policies to protect beneficiaries from exploitation and abuse.