Employment Specialist

Job Advertisement

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

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is dedicated to assisting refugees and immigrants in achieving self-sufficiency through employment. It operates in various locations across the United States, focusing on providing support and resources to help individuals integrate into their new communities. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background, have access to the services they need to succeed. It employs a team of professionals who are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of those they serve, and it collaborates with local employers and community partners to create job opportunities for clients.

Job Overview:
The Employment Specialist plays a crucial role in helping newly arrived refugees and qualified immigrants attain self-sufficiency through employment. This position involves guiding clients through various stages of employment preparation, including conducting assessments, developing employment plans, and providing job readiness coaching. The Employment Specialist will also coordinate job placements and offer career advancement services to ensure clients are well-equipped to succeed in the workforce. The role requires building strong relationships with local employers and staffing agencies to identify suitable job opportunities for clients, as well as assisting with any post-placement issues that may arise. The Employment Specialist will monitor client job performance and maintain detailed records of client interactions, ensuring compliance with program requirements. Collaboration with coworkers and partner organizations is essential to provide comprehensive support to clients, and the role may involve training and leading support staff, volunteers, and interns as needed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct intake assessments and provide program orientation to clients eligible for employment services.
• Develop comprehensive employment plans and budget strategies tailored to each employable adult.
• Provide job readiness coaching and assist clients in their job search efforts, connecting them with relevant job opportunities.
• Cultivate long-term relationships with local employers and staffing agencies to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients.
• Assist clients and employers with post-placement issues and ongoing employment needs.
• Monitor client job performance, wage levels, and related metrics to ensure successful employment outcomes.
• Maintain detailed records of each client interaction in accordance with program requirements, including inputting client information into databases and assisting with tracking and reporting.
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations to enhance service delivery for clients.
• Build and maintain relationships with area service providers to benefit clients. 1
• Use personal, insured vehicle and/or public transportation to travel and transport clients and materials as needed throughout the service delivery area. 1
• Train and lead the activities of support staff, volunteers, and interns as required. 1
• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field of study is preferred.
• 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 strongly preferred.
• Experience with job placement and job readiness training is a plus.
• Strong relationship-building, diplomacy, and networking skills are essential.
• Ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success in working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills, capable of multi-tasking, prioritizing duties, and managing time effectively.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product is crucial. 1
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) is required, along with the ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes. 1
• A valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle are necessary.

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 work effectively with clients from diverse backgrounds and to understand the complexities of workforce development and employment services.

Experience:
The position requires relevant professional experience in the workforce development field, with a minimum of 2 years’ experience strongly preferred. Candidates should have experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations, as well as experience in job placement and job readiness training, which will enhance their ability to assist clients effectively.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in languages spoken by the client group, such as Dari, Farsi, and/or Pashto, is desired to facilitate communication and support for clients from diverse backgrounds.

Additional Notes:
The Employment Specialist position involves a combination of standard office environment, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area. The role may require occasional weekend and/or evening work to meet the needs of clients. Compensation for this position is based on various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including sick time, retirement savings plans, paid holidays, paid time off, and medical, dental, and vision insurance. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off, and additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12-month period.