Description
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.
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.
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.
- 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.
Benefits:
- Competitive salary ($20.97/hr)
- Comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:
- 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
- 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
- An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families