Employment Specialist

Job Advertisement

Position Title: Employment Specialist
Location: United States
Country: United States
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent humanitarian organization that was founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on responding to the world's most severe humanitarian crises. The organization aims to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to help people survive, reclaim control of their futures, and strengthen their communities, the IRC employs a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering lasting impact and hope to millions globally.

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 employment preparation, coordinating job placements, and providing various career advancement services. The Employment Specialist is expected to conduct client intake and assessments, develop comprehensive employment plans, and provide job readiness coaching. The role requires building relationships with local employers and staffing agencies to identify suitable job opportunities for clients, as well as monitoring client job performance and addressing any post-placement issues. The Employment Specialist must also maintain accurate records of client interactions and collaborate with coworkers and partner organizations to enhance service delivery.

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 comprehensive employment plans and budget strategies tailored to each employable adult. The role involves providing job readiness coaching, connecting clients with job opportunities, and cultivating long-term relationships with local employers and staffing agencies. The Employment Specialist will assist clients and employers with post-placement issues, monitor client job performance and wage levels, and document each client interaction according to program requirements. They will also input client information into databases and assist with tracking and reporting as needed. Collaboration with coworkers and partner organizations is essential, as is building relationships with area service providers to benefit clients. The Employment Specialist may also train and lead support staff, volunteers, and interns, and 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 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 should demonstrate strong relationship-building skills, diplomacy, and networking abilities, as well as effective communication in a multicultural environment. Problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications are also required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field of study is preferred for this position. This educational background equips candidates with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively assist clients in navigating employment services and achieving self-sufficiency.

Experience:
The Employment Specialist position requires relevant professional experience in the workforce development field, with a minimum of 2 years strongly preferred. Experience working with refugee and immigrant populations is highly desirable, as is familiarity with job placement and job readiness training.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in languages spoken by the client group, such as Arabic, Swahili, and Spanish, is desired to enhance communication and support for clients.

Additional Notes:
The Employment Specialist position may involve a combination of standard office work, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area. Occasional weekend and evening work may be required. The compensation for this role is based on various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S. employees, including sick time, a 403b retirement savings plan with matching contributions, paid holidays, paid time off, and various insurance options. 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. The IRC is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and adheres to a strict Code of Conduct.