Lead Employment Specialist

International Institute of New England; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in Boston seeks a Lead Employment Case Specialist to oversee operations and support the Career Services team. This role involves managing a small team, providing direct employment services to clients, and ensuring compliance with program goals. Ideal candidates will have strong organizational skills, experience in job development, and a background in working with immigrant populations. Proficiency in a second language is preferred.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience in job development or employer engagement.
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory or staff management experience preferred.
• Experience working with immigrant or refugee populations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise 1–3 Employment Specialists and provide performance evaluations.
• Maintain a small caseload; provide direct employment support services.
• Monitor labor market trends and align opportunities with client skills.

Skills

Organizational Skills

Interpersonal Communication

Detail-oriented

Ability to Work Independently

Ability to Work Collaboratively

Proficiency in a Second Language

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services

Bachelor’s degree in Counseling

Bachelor’s degree in Education

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Title: Lead Employment Case Specialist

Location: Boston

Department: Programs- Career Services

Reports to: Manager of Career Services

Job Type: Full time- non exept.

Overview

The Lead Employment Case Specialist supports the Career Services team by overseeing daily operations, managing a small caseload of clients, and supervising 1–3 Employment Specialists. This role ensures high-quality employment services are provided to refugees, immigrants, and non-native English-speaking clients. The Lead works closely with the Manager of Career Services to meet client needs while ensuring compliance with program goals and funding requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise 1–3 Employment Specialists, providing weekly check-ins, performance evaluations, and regular feedback.
• Coordinate daily activities of the employment team in collaboration with the Manager of Career Services.
• Maintain a small caseload; provide direct employment support services to clients including career planning, resume development, job search assistance, and follow-up.
• Solicit and maintain relationships with employers; screen worksites to ensure safe, fair employment opportunities.
• Monitor labor market trends and align employment opportunities with client skills and goals.
• Understand and support client credentialing, re-credentialing, and educational advancement needs.
• Facilitate access to resources such as test prep, training programs, and career development tools.
• Collaborate with case managers to secure financial supports for clients seeking employment.
• Oversee the delivery of job counseling, coaching, and workshops such as Work Orientation Workshops.
• Ensure timely and accurate case documentation in accordance with IINE policies and funder guidelines.
• Contribute to monthly and periodic reporting and data tracking requirements.
• Support and train employment specialists and interns.
• Attend internal meetings, trainings, and other required sessions.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Required Skills & Abilities
• Strong organizational and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• High level of discretion in managing confidential information.
• Access to reliable transportation and willingness to travel as needed.
• Proficiency in a second language strongly preferred (e.g., Creole, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Swahili, Ukrainian, Spanish, French). Education & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Counseling, Education, or related field.
• Minimum 1 year of experience in job development or employer engagement.
• Minimum 1 year of supervisory or staff management experience (preferred).
• Experience working with immigrant or refugee populations (preferred).
• Experience in adult education or workforce development (preferred).
  
  

Work Environment & Physical Demands

• Typical office environment with occasional travel to client homes or external partners.
• Exposure to standard office equipment and lighting.
• Occasional evening or weekend events may be required.
• Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds.
• Periods of extended sitting or standing.
• Occasional driving to and from IINE offices or other locations.