Employment Specialist

The Employment Specialist helps newly arrived refugee clients achieve self-sufficiency through employment. This role delivers job readiness services, career coaching, and employer connections while supporting clients through the application and placement process.

Major Responsibilities:

• Conduct intake and assessment for employment-eligible clients and develop individualized employment plans.
• Deliver job readiness orientations in both group and one-on-one settings, focusing on essential skills for employability.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with area employers to identify appropriate opportunities for clients.
• Match clients to employment opportunities and guide them through applications, interviews, and hiring processes.
• Monitor job placements, wages, and satisfaction of both clients and employers, providing post-placement support.
• Assist clients with Unemployment Insurance applications and weekly claims when applicable.
• Maintain accurate case notes and data entry in required systems; prepare employment vouchers and other documentation.
• Participate in program meetings, trainings, and professional development activities; follow all IRC policies including safeguarding and confidentiality standards.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, workforce development, or related field strongly preferred; equivalent work experience may be considered.
• At least 2 years of case management, employment, job placement, or business experience in a social services setting.
• Experience working with vulnerable or underserved populations strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of U.S. job search process and ability to coach clients through securing employment.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills; detail-oriented.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; public speaking/presentation skills preferred.
• Proven ability to problem-solve, prioritize tasks, and meet goals independently or as part of a team.
• Proficiency in English required; bilingual ability in Spanish, Dari, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, French, or other refugee/immigrant language preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, and access to reliable transportation.
• Must possess or be eligible for a fingerprint clearance card per Arizona state law.

Compensation: ($20.97/hour)

Benefits: IRC offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Highlights include 10 paid sick leave, 10 U.S. holidays, 20-25 generous paid time off based on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163/month, dental starting at $6.50/month, and vision starting at $5/month, flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care, and commuter), a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting), disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.