Employment Caseworker

International Institute of St. Louis; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Institute of St. Louis is seeking an Employment Caseworker to support refugee and immigrant clients in obtaining and retaining work.

You will provide individualized case management, deliver job readiness training, and collaborate with staff to align opportunities with clients’ goals in a community-centered program. Responsibilities include facilitating interviews, coordinating with employers, and ensuring RCA and related supports are processed accurately and timely.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of local labor market and workforce resources.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams with complex client needs.

Responsibilities

• Provide one-on-one case management to assist clients in job searches, applications, and interviews.
• Accompany clients to job search workshops and onboarding sessions with employers.
• Facilitate follow-up meetings to support retention and advancement.
• Document all case notes in compliance with program requirements.
• Coordinate RCA eligibility, documentation, and monthly check disbursements.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Associate's degree with relevant coursework

2–4 years related experience

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Position Summary

The Employment Caseworker supports refugee and immigrant clients in preparing for, securing, and retaining employment. This position combines individualized case management with instruction in job readiness, interview preparation, and workplace skills. The Employment Caseworker collaborates with the Job Developer, the Talent and Advocacy Program Manager, and other agency staff to provide one-on-one and classroom-based instruction, coordinate employer onboarding, support long-term retention and advancement opportunities, and ensure clients can access financial support for work- and transportation-related needs.

This position is responsible for upholding the International Institute's mission, vision, goals, and objectives.

Details Of Responsibilities

Essential Responsibilities:

(35%) Employment Case Management & Client Services This work may include but is not limited to:

• Provide one-on-one case management to assist clients in job searches, applications, and interviews.
• Accompany clients to job search workshops and onboarding sessions with employers.
• Facilitate follow-up meetings with clients and staff to support retention and advancement.
• Document all case notes and employment activities in compliance with program requirements.
• Support clients in identifying career advancement and upward mobility opportunities based on their skills and goals.

(30%) Instruction & Job Readiness Training This work may include but is not limited to:

• Deliver job readiness instruction in classroom and workshop settings.
• Facilitate group sessions on interview practice, workplace communication, and U.S. work culture.
• Provide ongoing individualized tutoring for professional development and advancement.
• Coordinate with volunteers and staff to deliver one-on-one mentoring and tutoring as needed.

(20%) Collaboration & Program Support This work may include but is not limited to:

• Work closely with the Job Developer to match clients to appropriate employment opportunities.
• Collaborate with colleagues across departments to prepare clients for workforce integration.
• Coordinate with the Talent and Advocacy Program Manager to administer financial supports for work-related and transportation-related expenses.
• Share client progress and needs in team settings to ensure a coordinated, client-centered approach.
• Conduct eligibility assessments and determine client eligibility for Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA).
• Process monthly RCA requests, renewals, and supporting documentation.
• Coordinate monthly RCA check disbursement and maintain accurate payment records.
• Conduct monthly RCA check-ins with clients to monitor employment progress, participation, and program compliance.
• Maintain accurate case notes and documentation related to RCA services.
• Verify client employment status and income for ongoing RCA eligibility.
• Educate clients on RCA program requirements, timelines, and reporting responsibilities.
• Coordinate with internal departments and community partners to ensure timely delivery of RCA services.
• Monitor client progress toward self-sufficiency and employment goals.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and agency policies governing RCA programs.

Additional Responsibilities:

(10%) Performs other tasks as required. This work may include, but is not limited to:

• Interacting with community members relative to current projects and initiatives;
• Participating in departmental and organizational meetings and events;
• Performing other assigned duties as necessary for the successful operation of the organization.

Qualifications

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree with relevant coursework (such as Human Resources, Marketing, Public Relations, or
• Business Administration), preferred
• Associate's degree with relevant coursework and 2 years of full-time experience
• Increasingly responsible (2-4 years of full-time equivalent experience) in job development, human resources, job placement, or closely related field.

Knowledge, Skills, & Ability Requirements:

• Knowledge of local labor market and workforce resources;
• Critical thinking;
• Creative problem solving;
• Group facilitation experience;
• Knowledge of community resources and benefits;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Ability to exhibit a professional, courteous demeanor;
• Ability to meet deadlines and work in a fast-paced multi-priority environment;
• Excellent planning and organizing skills; ability to anticipate outcomes;
• Proficient MS Office skills (Word, Excel and Outlook);
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills, as well as critical thinking ability;
• Ability to treat confidential information with sensitivity;
• Ability to be administratively self-supportive and work hands-on with own initiative to accomplish objectives;
• Ability to effectively plan work activities, schedules, priorities and utilization of resources;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
• Commitment to excellence and high standards;
• Acute attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and as a member of various teams and committees;
• Ability to communicate and interact effectively with a diverse group of individuals at all organizational levels;
• Versatility, flexibility, and willingness to work within constantly changing priorities.

Other Requirements:

• Appropriate availability consistent with organization established practices and norms; hours not to exceed 40 hours per week without prior supervisor authorization;
• Ability to pass a standard background check.
• Must have a car and a valid driver's license with proof of insurance
• Multilingual preferred (Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Kinyarwanda, Swahili, Nepali, Amharic, Tigrinya; and/or Somali preferred)

Environment

This position requires the ability to work in a stationary position for several hours at a time and the ability to move up to 25 pounds, occasionally. Some filing is required. The work environment is an air-conditioned, smoke-free, office environment. This position routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. This position occasionally may require regional travel; no overnight travel is anticipated.

Philosophy of Service

In 2023, the International Institute's staff adopted a Philosophy of Service. These four statements encapsulate our core values, guiding and inspiring us in serving the community to the highest standards.

• We serve with empathy, integrity, and respect.
• We are accountable to our clients, our community, and ourselves.
• We cultivate our clients' dignity through choice.
• We support all aspects of immigrant and refugee journeys from arriving to thriving.

Equal Opportunity

The International Institute is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access/Affirmative Action employer. The International Institute values diverse perspectives and backgrounds in all positions within the organization and is fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce and complies with all Federal and State laws, and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, protected veteran status, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (including transgender status), genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be requested to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.