Employment Specialist

theirc; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 29,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Charlottesville, VA seeks an Employment Specialist to help refugees and immigrants achieve self-sufficiency through employment preparation, job placement, and career advancement services. You'll conduct intake, develop employment plans, build relationships with area employers, and support clients through placement, wage tracking, and ongoing needs.

A Bachelor's degree and two years' workforce development experience are preferred, with multi-cultural

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in social work or related field preferred.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in workforce development; refugee/immigrant experience preferred.
• Experience with job placement and job readiness training a plus.

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.
• 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 and input client information in database(s).
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations; build and maintain relationships with area service providers.

Skills

Relationship building

Multi-cultural communication

Problem solving

Time management

Attention to detail

English proficiency

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. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

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:

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 $143 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.

Compensation:

($21.00 - $23.60). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, int