Job Advertisement

Position Title: Employment Specialist
Location: Dallas, TX
Country: United States of America
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) 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 power to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to help people survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities, the IRC employs a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering lasting impact and hope to millions globally.

Job Overview:
The RSS Employment Specialist plays a crucial role in assisting newly arrived refugees, parolees, Special Immigrant Visa holders (SIVs), and other 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 operates under close supervision but has moderate latitude for independent judgment and initiative. The role is designed to serve all refugee clients, ensuring they receive the necessary support to navigate the job market effectively and secure Sustainable employment.

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 Specialist will provide job readiness coaching, assist clients in job searches, and connect them with job opportunities. Building and maintaining long-term relationships with local employers and staffing agencies is essential to identify suitable employment opportunities for clients. The Specialist will also assist clients and employers with post-placement issues and ongoing employment needs, monitor client job performance and wage levels, and document each client interaction according to program requirements. They will input client information into databases and assist with tracking and reporting as necessary. Collaboration with coworkers and partner organizations is vital, as is teaching Vocational Training and working with area employers on Curriculum Development. The role may involve training and leading support staff, volunteers, and interns, along with other assigned duties.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field of study, although relevant professional experience in Workforce Development is required. A minimum of 2 years of experience is strongly preferred, particularly experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations. Familiarity with job placement and job readiness training is considered a plus. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong relationship-building, diplomacy, and networking skills, with the ability to effectively communicate and work in a multicultural environment. They should be self-starters with excellent problem-solving abilities, capable of multitasking, prioritizing duties, and managing time effectively. Attention to detail and accuracy in work products is essential.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field is preferred for this position. This educational background equips candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively support clients in their employment journey and navigate the complexities of workforce development.

Experience:
The 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 valued, as is experience in job placement and job readiness training. This level of experience ensures that the Employment Specialist can effectively assist clients in overcoming barriers to employment and achieving self-sufficiency.

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, Arabic, or Rohingya, is desired. This linguistic capability will enhance communication with clients and improve service delivery.

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 evening work. 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 U.S. employees, including sick time, a 403b retirement savings plan with matching contributions, 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 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.