Employment Specialist

Job Overview: 

The Employment Specialist is responsible for effectively administering services aimed at attaining self-sufficiency through employment for refugees and immigrants who are new to the U.S. Under the supervision of the Economic Wellbeing Program Manager, the Employment Specialist provides employment services to program participants and works closely with employers, community organizations, service providers, and other IRC staff to facilitate job readiness and job placement among program participants. The position is also responsible for documenting employment activities and outcomes and supporting program compliance. The Employment Specialist will predominantly be working under the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Pathways grant, which is a state funded employment program. 

Major Responsibilities: 

Case Management Services

• Provide employment-focused case management to program participants
• Facilitate intake, assessment, and pre-employment orientation for individuals eligible for IRC employment services
• Develop comprehensive employment and self-sufficiency plans for each employable adult and service plans for family members.
• Provide relevant referrals for other resources to clients.
• Provide both group and one-on-one intense job readiness workshops that provide program participants with basic skills required to support employability in the U.S.
• Communicate effectively with DSHS Case Management staff. 
• Identify specific employment opportunities appropriate for individual participants and assist participants in pursuing these opportunities by guiding them through the application, interview, and hiring process.
• Maintain detailed and timely case notes and documentation throughout the service period.
• Monitor and document job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction post job placement for reporting and compliance purposes.
• Complete 6 & 12 month check in’s with program participants. 
• Enroll clients in IRC provided classes and trainings. 

Employer Relations

• Develop and cultivate strong relationships with area employers in order to develop and identify appropriate employment opportunities for program participants.
• Actively seek out new employers to become employer partners.
• Provide participants and employers with post-placement support, as needed.

Compliance Documentation

• Monitor and track participant job performance and wage levels as required by program funding
• Gather required documentation and data for case files throughout service period and to support case closeout procedures
• Ensure timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements, including database management, case noting, and file maintenance

Team/Office Participation

• Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive, strength-based services to IRC participants through coordination of cases and effective communication between team members and departments
• Participate in all program meetings, and staff development and wellness activities
• Comply with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency
• Other duties as assigned

Key Working Relationships: 

Position Reports to:  Economic Wellbeing Program Manager

Indirect Reporting:  Resettlement Manager

Other Internal and/or external contacts: 

Internal: IRC Spokane Resettlement team, IRC Spokane Economic Wellbeing team, other IRC Spokane program teams

External: DSHS Caseworkers, Local employers, WA Office of Refugee & Immigrant Assistance (ORIA), LEP Pathway contractors

Job Requirements:

• Relevant degree or equivalent professional or lived experience
• Knowledge about the U.S. job search, interview, placement, and work experience.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Professional proficiency in English, both spoken and written.
• Highly organized and capable of keeping up with administrative requirements.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning

Preferred:

• Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred
• Bilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population strongly preferred (including Arabic, Spanish, Swahili, Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian, Russian, Burmese, Vietnamese or Tigrinya).
• Strong connection and relationship with local client community members.
• Previous experience in employment services programming.

Working Environment:  

• Standard, professional office environment (flexible remote and in-office)
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.