Employment Specialist

The Employment Specialist is responsible for effectively administering services to assist newly arrived clients to attain self-sufficiency through employment. Under the supervision of the Economic Empowerment Program Manager, the Employment Specialist works closely with employers, community organizations, service providers, and IRC staff to facilitate job readiness and job placement among program participants; and assists in program compliance and outcomes, and program development. Responsibilities include community engagement and outreach to build long-term partnerships with other employers. The position also assists in recruiting and training program interns and volunteers.

Major Responsibilities:

Client Services

•Provide intake, assessment and pre-employment orientation to clients eligible for employment services

•Develop comprehensive employment plans for each employable adult and additional members of their households

•Assist clients in creating a budget and provide strategies for budget improvements

•Provide both group and one-on-one job readiness orientations that provide clients with basic skills required to enhance their employability

•Determine specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assist clients in accessing these opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process

•Use personal vehicle as a mode of transport for both self and clients to various job responsibilities in and around the service delivery area

•Monitor job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction post job placement

Employer Relations

•Develop and cultivate long-term relationships with area employers in order to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients

•Assist clients and employers as necessary with post-placement needs and continuing employment needs

Compliance Documentation

•Monitor and track client job performance and wage levels

•Gather required documentation and data for client case files in accordance with 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 clients through coordination of cases and effective communication between team members and departments

•Participate in all program meetings, staff meetings, and staff development and wellness activities

Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

•Relevant degree or equivalent experience

•Two or more years relevant work experience in human services field preferred

•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 English proficiency, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population strongly preferred (including Burmese, Dari, Farsi, French, Pashto, Swahili, Ukrainian)

•Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)

•Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance

Working Environment:

•Standard, professional office environment (currently remote)

•Access to reliable transportation to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area

•May require occasional weekend and /or evening work.

IRC- leading the way from harm to home

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law