Employment Specialist

Background

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 50 countries, the IRC aims to restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure.

Job Overview: The Employment Specialist assists newly arrived refugees and other qualified immigrants to attain self-sufficiency through employment by guiding them through employment preparation, coordinating job placements, and other career advancement services.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct intake, assessment and provide program orientation to clients eligible for employment services. Develop comprehensive employment plans and budget strategies for each employable adult. Provide job readiness and job search coaching and connect clients with job opportunities.
• Develop and cultivate long term relationships with area employers and staffing agencies to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients.
• Assist clients and employers as necessary with post-placement issues and continuing employment needs.
• Monitor client job performance, wage levels, and related metrics.
• Provide financial literacy support to clients, including education on budgeting, banking, credit, and connecting them to financial resources such as CEO loans to promote long-term financial stability.
• Integrate financial coaching into employment services by assisting clients with income management, debt reduction strategies, and the development of personalized financial goals.
• Detail each client interaction in accordance with program requirements. Input client information in database(s) and assist with tracking and reporting as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations. Build and maintain relationships with area service providers for the benefit of clients.
• Use personal, insured vehicle and/or public transportation (where available) to travel and transport clients and materials as needed throughout the service delivery area.
• May train and lead the activities of support staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study preferred.

Work Experience:

• Relevant professional experience in workforce development field required; minimum of 2 years’ experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations strongly preferred.
• Experience with job placement and job readiness training a plus.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Proficient in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group is desired; including Arabic, Swahili and Spanish.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research and problem-solving purposes.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Compensation: (Pay Range: $18.70 - $20.50) 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.

This position is expected to end on 12 February 2027.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.