Employment Specialist

New American Association of Massachusetts; Lynn (MA); Hybrid; USD 54,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Paid time off

Training & development

Company parties

Flexible schedule

Job summary

The New American Association of Massachusetts (NAAM) is hiring an Employment Specialist to support NAAM’s employment services, ESOL and case management for refugees and immigrants in Massachusetts. The role focuses on helping clients with job search, resumes, and interview preparation, while coordinating with partners across Lynn and nearby communities.

Hybrid work arrangement with required two days in the Lynn office, plus remote flexibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and knowledge of immigrant communities.
• Flexible, dependable, organized, and detail-oriented.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.

Responsibilities

• Perform initial assessments and client intake to determine job readiness.
• Develop resumes, prepare applications, and coach interview skills.
• Expand employer partnerships and coordinate job search activities.
• Support ESL and literacy referrals and program participation.
• Maintain client records and document outcomes for reporting.

Skills

Communication

Spanish

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Paid time off
• Training & development
• Company parties
• Flexible schedule

Location

Hybrid (Remote and Lynn, MA) – Minimum two days in the office

Job Title

Employment Specialist

Background

The New American Association of Massachusetts (NAAM) is a non-profit organization that provides social support services to refugees and immigrants in Massachusetts. Core services include: ESOL classes, employment services, case management, citizenship, youth programming, and more. We are currently hiring an Employment Specialist to support the administration and delivery of NAAM’s employment services programming.

Purpose

To provide employment, case management, and educational services to refugee and immigrant clients served by NAAM by assisting them with job search, job preparedness, and overcoming cultural, linguistic, and personal barriers to obtaining meaningful and rewarding employment opportunities, while supporting successful social adjustment and long-term economic stability.

Primary Responsibilities

Employment Services Program Tasks

• Conduct initial needs assessments, client intake, and program orientation. Conduct clients’ language and job skills assessments and evaluate overall job readiness based on individual work-related strengths, level of motivation, and short- and long-term career goals.
• Conduct and monitor activities within NAAM’s employment services programming in Lynn and across multiple remote refugee resettlement sites throughout the North Shore and Greater Boston area.
• Conduct orientations with clients to explain program expectations, available services, and additional NAAM programs and resources.
• Refer clients to other programs within NAAM when appropriate.
• Develop close relationships and trust with clients, remain familiar with their needs, and maintain regular communication and follow-up.

Employment Support

• Provide support to clients throughout the job search process; meet with referred clients to develop resumes, complete job applications, advise on networking strategies, and practice interviewing skills.
• Conduct job search activities and expand employer partnerships; maintain professional relationships with existing employment partners through outreach, job fairs, site visits, phone calls, and email communication.
• Create and maintain a portfolio of available job skills training opportunities and employer partnerships.
• Monitor clients’ progression into the workforce and assist clients and employers in navigating adjustment challenges.
• Coordinate barrier removal services to facilitate participants’ rapid pathway to employment.

ESL Support

• Refer program participants to ESL and Literacy programs and communicate with ESL instructors regarding placement, student progress, and employment readiness.
• Assist clients in accessing ESL and Literacy services by supporting internet setup, device distribution, and basic technology orientation as needed.

Administrative / Communication

• Maintain required records and support program evaluation and reporting activities, ensuring databases are updated and reports are submitted in compliance with funder requirements.
• Maintain organized participant files and records in compliance with confidentiality, data security, and program requirements.
• Track participant engagement, training completion, job placement, and retention outcomes to support program goals and reporting requirements.
• Prepare and submit required documentation, case notes, and updates to support internal monitoring and funder reporting.
• Communicate effectively with participants, employers, and partners using clear, professional, and supportive language.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, workshops, and cross-team collaborations as required.
• Support outreach, workshop scheduling, and coordination of career-related activities and events.
• Contribute to a team culture that values collaboration, professionalism, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Perform additional administrative and operational tasks as assigned to support program success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Fluency in Spanish or other languages spoken by refugee populations strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Cultural sensitivity and knowledge of the needs of immigrants and refugees.
• Flexibility, dependability, strong attention to detail, and organizational skills.
• Strong technology skills (including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, etc.).
• Individuals with lived immigrant/refugee experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Access to reliable transportation preferred.

Compensation & Schedule

$26-28 per hour, 40 hours per week

Flexible work from home options available.