RSS Employment Specialist

Job Advertisement

Position Title: RSS 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 responds to some of the world's most severe humanitarian crises. Established in 1933 at the urging of Albert Einstein, the IRC has grown to become one of the largest international non-governmental organizations (INGO) operating in over 40 countries and 29 cities across the United States. The organization is dedicated to helping individuals and communities affected by conflict and disaster to regain their health, safety, education, economic stability, and empowerment. With a mission to restore dignity and hope, the IRC employs a diverse workforce that is committed to making a lasting impact on the lives of millions of people worldwide. The IRC's approach is rooted in collaboration and community engagement, ensuring that their efforts are effective and sustainable.

Job Overview:
The RSS Employment Specialist plays a crucial role in assisting newly arrived refugees, parolees, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, and other qualified immigrants in achieving self-sufficiency through employment. This position involves guiding clients through employment preparation processes, coordinating job placements, and providing various career advancement services. The Employment Specialist operates under close supervision but is expected to exercise moderate independent judgment and initiative. The primary focus of this role is to serve all refugee clients, ensuring they have the necessary support and resources to secure employment and integrate into their new communities. The Employment Specialist will develop comprehensive employment plans tailored to each client's needs, conduct assessments, and provide job readiness coaching, all while fostering relationships with local employers to facilitate job placements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the RSS Employment Specialist include, but are not limited to: conducting intake assessments and providing program orientation to clients eligible for employment services; developing comprehensive employment plans and budget strategies for each employable adult; offering job readiness and job search coaching; connecting clients with job opportunities; cultivating long-term relationships with area employers and staffing agencies to identify suitable employment opportunities; assisting clients and employers with post-placement issues and ongoing employment needs; monitoring client job performance, wage levels, and related metrics; documenting each client interaction in accordance with program requirements; inputting client information into databases and assisting with tracking and reporting; collaborating effectively with coworkers and partner organizations; teaching vocational training and collaborating with employers on curriculum development; using personal, insured vehicles or public transportation to travel and transport clients and materials as needed; potentially training and leading support staff, volunteers, and interns; and performing other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field of study, although relevant professional experience in workforce development is also highly valued. Candidates should possess a minimum of 2 years of experience in the field, with a strong preference for those who have worked with refugee and/or immigrant populations. Experience in job placement and job readiness training is considered a plus. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong relationship-building skills, diplomacy, and networking abilities, as well as the capacity to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment. A self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills, the candidate should be able to manage multiple tasks, prioritize duties, and maintain attention to detail and accuracy in their work.

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 for effectively assisting clients in navigating employment services and achieving self-sufficiency. Candidates with degrees in other relevant fields may also be considered, particularly if they possess significant experience in workforce development or related areas.

Experience:
Candidates for the RSS Employment Specialist position should have 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 it equips candidates with the understanding and sensitivity needed to effectively support these communities. Additionally, experience in job placement and job readiness training will be beneficial for success in this role.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, proficiency in languages spoken by the client group, such as Spanish, is highly desired. This linguistic capability will enhance communication with clients and improve the effectiveness of the services provided.

Additional Notes:
The working environment for this position includes a combination of standard office settings, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area. The role may require occasional weekend and/or evening work to accommodate client needs. Compensation for this position is based on various factors, including labor market conditions, job type, internal equity, and budget considerations. The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package for US employees, including sick time, a 403b retirement savings plan with matching contributions, an Employee Assistance Program, 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 those who work at least 6 months within a 12-month period. The IRC is committed to maintaining a professional standard of conduct and fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful work environment.