Career Development Specialist

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Career Development Specialist
Location: Elizabeth, NJ, Hybrid
Country: United States of America
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization founded in 193

• Its mission is to help people affected by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and rebuild their lives. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities, employing more than 14,000 staff members worldwide. The organization focuses on providing assistance to refugees and displaced persons, helping them to integrate into their new communities and achieve self-sufficiency.

Job Overview:
The Career Development Program is designed to promote economic self-sufficiency for refugees and immigrants who face barriers in achieving their career goals. The Career Development Specialist plays a crucial role in this program by working directly with clients to assess their eligibility and readiness for participation. This involves creating personalized career development plans, scheduling relevant activities, preparing job applications, and ultimately securing successful job placements for clients. Given the unique challenges faced by program participants, the specialist must provide supportive services that adapt to the dynamic needs of individuals, requiring a high degree of flexibility, patience, and determination. The role is not only about job placement but also about empowering clients through skill development and mentorship, ensuring they have the tools necessary to navigate the job market effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Career Development Specialist will engage in various responsibilities including: conducting pre-enrollment assessments to evaluate potential participants, developing strategic career development plans, and providing ongoing case management. They will assist clients in preparing resumes, searching for job opportunities, and practicing interview skills. The specialist will also deliver group coaching sessions focused on advanced work readiness and employability skills. Additionally, they will support clients in identifying and enrolling in vocational training programs, assist with networking, and review job applications. The role includes accompanying clients to job preparation activities and advocating for their rights in the labor market. Program administration tasks involve creating informational packets and ensuring compliance with reporting requirements. Community outreach is also a key component, where the specialist will conduct outreach to potential clients and cultivate relationships with employers to facilitate job placements.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an undergraduate degree or relevant work experience. A strong interest in social services, employment, workforce programming, or client counseling is essential, with at least one year of experience preferred. The ability to work effectively with adult learners from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds is required, as well as experience working with refugee and immigrant populations. Knowledge of workplace safety practices is important, along with the ability to think creatively to overcome barriers. Excellent verbal and interpersonal communication skills are necessary, as is a high level of organization and attention to detail. Candidates must be proficient in MS Office applications and have experience with databases. A willingness to work evenings and weekends is also required.

Educational Background:
An undergraduate degree in social work, human services, psychology, or a related field is preferred. Relevant work experience in lieu of a degree may be considered, particularly in areas related to employment services or client counseling.

Experience:
The position requires at least one year of experience in social services, employment, workforce programming, or a related field. Experience working with refugee and immigrant populations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with local communities and their specific needs.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory. Multilingual abilities are preferred, especially in languages such as Spanish, French, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, and/or Pashto, which would enhance communication with clients from diverse backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
The working environment is a combination of standard office settings, remote work, and fieldwork within the service delivery area. The role may require occasional evening and weekend work. Compensation is based on various factors including labor market conditions, job type, and individual candidate experience. The IRC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and provided with reasonable accommodations as needed. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including paid time off, retirement savings plans, and health insurance options.