IRC Background:

Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. One aspect of the IRC is to provide assistance to refugees resettling in the United States. The IRC opened an office in Phoenix, Arizona in 1994 to provide reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees. The office resettles refugees and provides numerous program services to assist refugees from their arrival through citizenship.

Job Overview:

The Employment Specialist is responsible for managing the provision of services to assist newly arrived refugee clients to attain self sufficiency through employment. Specifically, the Employment Specialist provides services that include employer and market development, employment search, client and employer preparation, job placement, career enhancement, job training and assessment and follow-up, and enrollment assistance with Arizona Unemployment Insurance benefits. They are also charged with maintaining accurate and timely data collection for employment services and reporting on program deliverables.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Providing intake, assessment, and pre-employment/job readiness orientation to clients eligible for employment services.
• Developing comprehensive employment plans for each employable adult.
• Providing both group and one-on-one intense job readiness orientations that provide clients with the basic skills required to enhance their employability.
• Developing and cultivating long term relationships with area employers in order to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients.
• Determining specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assisting clients in accessing these opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process.
• Monitoring job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction.
• Assisting clients and employers as necessary with post placement issues and continuing employment needs.
• Assisting clients with applying for Unemployment Insurance benefits and filing weekly claims.
• Ensuring timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements.
• Participating in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engaging as a member of the team.
• Complying with all policies, procedures and protocols of the agency.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Employment Supervisor
Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: IRC staff, interns and volunteers

External: Community partners, employers

Job Requirements:

• At least two years of related experience in case management, employment, job placement and/or business.
• Demonstrated experience with the US job search process and the ability to coach clients effectively through the nuanced process of securing employment.
• Knowledge of the Tucson job market strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, with fluency in written and spoken English. Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired.
• 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.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and strong keyboarding skills and internet usage and research skills
• Proven success achieving goals and working effectively with all levels of staff in a multicultural environment.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.
• Must have or be eligible to receive a Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Working Environment:

• Standard office work environment, coupled with travel in and around the service delivery area.
• Work outside of traditional office hours may be required on occasion.

Compensation: (Pay Range: $20.97/hr) 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: 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.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.