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 26 U.S. cities, providing assistance to refugees and displaced individuals. The organization is committed to helping those in need by providing essential services, advocating for their rights, and promoting self-sufficiency through various programs. The IRC employs thousands of staff members worldwide, working collaboratively to address the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Employment Specialist plays a crucial role in assisting refugees and qualified immigrants in achieving self-sufficiency through employment. This position involves guiding clients through the employment preparation process, coordinating job placements, and offering various career advancement services. The Employment Specialist is expected to conduct employability assessments, develop comprehensive employment and career development plans, and provide job readiness coaching. The role requires a proactive approach to connect clients with job opportunities and support them in their job search efforts. Additionally, the Employment Specialist will mentor clients on resume writing, interview preparation, and job search techniques, ensuring they are well-prepared for the job market. The position also involves delivering group coaching sessions on advanced work readiness and employability skills, as well as assisting clients in enrolling in vocational training activities. Building relationships with local employers and staffing agencies is essential to identify suitable employment opportunities for clients, and advocating for clients' rights in the labor market is a key responsibility. The Employment Specialist will monitor client job performance and maintain detailed records of client interactions, collaborating effectively with coworkers and partner organizations to enhance service delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Employment Specialist's duties and responsibilities include conducting employability assessments and providing program orientation to eligible clients. They will develop comprehensive employment and career development plans tailored to each client, assist with job readiness and job search coaching, and provide one-on-one support for resume preparation and interview skills. The role also involves delivering group coaching sessions on advanced work readiness and employability skills, supporting clients in vocational training activities, and helping with networking and job application reviews. The Employment Specialist will accompany clients to job preparation activities, interviews, and job site tours, coaching them to attend these events independently in the future. Building and maintaining relationships with area employers and staffing agencies is crucial for identifying job opportunities, and the Employment Specialist will advocate for clients' rights in the labor market. They will also monitor client job performance and related metrics, input client information into databases, and assist with tracking and reporting as needed. Collaboration with coworkers and partner organizations is essential, and the Employment Specialist may train and lead support staff, volunteers, and interns as necessary.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Employment Specialist position should possess strong relationship-building, diplomacy, and networking skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and work in a multi-cultural environment. A self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills is essential, along with the ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively. Attention to detail and accuracy in work products is crucial. Candidates must be fluent in English, both spoken and written, and proficiency in additional languages spoken by IRC clients is desired. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and the ability to use digital tools for data entry and research is required. A valid driver's license and access to a personal, insured vehicle are also necessary for this role.

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

Experience:
Relevant professional experience in the workforce development field is required, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience strongly preferred. Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations is highly desirable, as is experience with job placement and job readiness training. This level of experience ensures that the Employment Specialist is well-equipped to understand the unique challenges faced by clients and to provide effective support in their employment endeavors.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, both spoken and written. Proficiency in additional languages spoken by IRC clients is considered a valuable asset, as it enhances communication and support for diverse client populations.

Additional Notes:
This position is represented by the OPEIU union and is subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. The Employment Specialist role is expected to end on March 31, 2027, and offers a pay rate of $24 per hour. The working environment includes a combination of standard office settings, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area. The role may require occasional weekend, early morning, and/or evening work. The IRC is committed to providing a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, medical and dental insurance, retirement savings plans, and an Employee Assistance Program.