Employment Specialist

International Rescue Committee; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental

Vision

403b retirement savings

Job summary

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) seeks an Employment Specialist to help newly arrived refugees and immigrants attain self-sufficiency through employment preparation, planning, and job placements.

You will build relations with area employers, coach clients on job readiness, and monitor outcomes while coordinating with partners and staff across the service delivery area.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in workforce development preferred; refugee/immigrant experience valued.
• Experience with job placement and job readiness training a plus.
• Proficient in English; proficiency in client languages (Dari, Farsi, Pashto) desired.
• Valid driver's license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake, assessment and provide program orientation to clients eligible for employment services.
• Develop employment plans and budget strategies for each employable adult.
• Provide job readiness and job search coaching and connect clients with job opportunities.
• Build relationships with area employers and staffing agencies for opportunities.
• Monitor client performance and wage levels and track outcomes.

Skills

Relationship building

Multicultural communication

Problem solving

Time management

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions.

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. This position has an end date of September, 30, 2027.

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

• 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.
• 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 Dari, Farsi, and/or Pashto.
• 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.

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.

US Benefits

• 10 sick days
• 10 US holidays
• 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
• Medical insurance starting at $143 per month
• Dental starting at $6.50 per month
• Vision starting at $5 per month
• FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
• 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
• Disability & life insurance
• 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

Compensation

( $21.00 - $23.60 ). 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.

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.

Benefits Duplicate

• 10 paid sick leave
• 10 U.S. holidays
• 20-25 generous paid time off based on role and tenure
• Medical insurance starting at $163/month
• Dental starting at $6.50/month
• Vision starting at $5/month
• Flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care, and commuter)
• 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting)
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.

Equal Opportunity Employer Duplicate

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.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) helps people whose lives have been shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and rebuild. We are trusted for our ability to reach people in the toughest places, put our clients at the center of everything we do, and - an evidence-based organization - to relentlessly improve the impact we deliver for those we serve. The IRC Way, our code of conduct, is founded upon our core values of Integrity, Accountability, Service and Equality. These values unite IRC staff around the world and keep our programs firmly directed towards the well-being of our clients while meeting the expectations of our donors as responsible stewards of their resources.