Refugee Employment Specialist

Caritas of Austin; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 46,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan (403b)

Mileage reimbursement

Phone stipend

Parking

PSLF eligibility

Job summary

Caritas of Austin is seeking a Refugee Employment Specialist to manage all aspects of service delivery in the Employment Program. The role develops customized employment plans, places clients in suitable jobs, and coordinates with community partners to ensure comprehensive support.

The qualified candidate will conduct intakes, assist with job applications, train clients in interviewing and resume writing, and maintain meticulous records using the agency database.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Human Resources, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Education or a closely related field.
• Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Human Resources, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Education, or closely related field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conducts intake and assessment for refugee employment.
• Develops individualized employment plans and coordinates placements.
• Trains clients on interviewing, resume writing and professional presentation.
• Collaborates with staff and external agencies to coordinate services.
• Maintains detailed client files and submits monthly reports.

Skills

Fluent English

Professional demeanor

Data entry

Education

Bachelor’s degree (see education details)

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

Job Title: Refugee Employment Specialist
Program: Employment

Reports To: Employment Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt/Hourly

Position Summary

This is a full-time grant funded position and is contingent upon renewal of the grant. The Program Manager and the Department Director select the Employment Specialist. The Employment Specialist is responsible for all aspects of service delivery to individuals referred to the Employment Program. This includes development of customized employment plans for individuals and placing them in the most appropriate employment setting. This position will be serving a diverse and vulnerable population, primarily newly arrived refugees, etc., and requires the Employment Specialist to work closely with staff and community agencies to coordinate additional services. Besides providing employment services, the Employment Specialist will approve the individuals for employment-related financial assistance and perform other duties as assigned. This position requires maintenance of client files with detailed documentation of service delivery.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (inclusive but not exhaustive):

Employment Services

• Conducts intake & assessment.
• Develops structured individual employment and self-sufficiency service plan for each client, addressing and assisting clients to recognize their interests, strengths, needs, deficits, and goals towards employment.
• Makes job referrals, assists with job applications, and facilitates job placements and job upgrades.
• Trains clients on effective interviewing skills, resume writing, and professional presentation.
• Provides information to clients about educational opportunities, including vocational and training programs and college courses relevant to client goals.
• Collaborates with the team in identifying appropriate jobs for clients.
• Prepares and submits client assistance check requests.
• Conducts employment services follow-up as required by grants.
• Coordinates client services with other Caritas programs and service providers.
• Complies with funding source guidelines and requirements.
• Maintains on-going interactions with employers.
• Consistently and accurately completes data entry of client information using the agency database systems.
• Maintains client files with required forms, Employment Service Plan, case notes, and client assistance check request documentation.
• Maintains detailed case notes in all files that provide accurate and complete description of service provided to clients as well as clients’ involvement in the case plan.
• Compiles monthly/quarterly reports as requested by Employment Program Manager.
• Responds to individual client concerns with accurate information in a respectful, effective and timely manner.
• Monitors own work to ensure quality.

Direct Client Assistance

• Maintains files with records of relevant direct client assistance and closes files in a timely manner.
• Refers clients to other programs internally and externally if there is an unmet need, such as Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA), etc.
• Completes data entry of direct client assistance provided to each client.
• Completes other tasks related to direct client assistance.

Organizational Support Functions

• Follows employee policies and procedures.
• Comply with timely reporting requirements e.g. on a weekly basis for new clients, monthly basis for employed clients, and as needed for other services and follow-up class attendance, appointments, etc.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings.
• Participates in and assists with organization planning and training functions.
• Complies with administrative procedures, reporting and record keeping policies.
• Supports Caritas goals and values.

Other Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
• Develops an approved plan for professional development.
• Treat staff, clients, customers, visitors and the general public with courtesy and respect.

Qualifications:

Education

• Required: Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university in Business Administration, Human Resources, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Education or a closely related field in business and/or human services.
• Preferred: Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in Business Administration, Human Resources, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Education, or a closely related field in business and/or human services

Experience

• Required – Minimum one year of experience providing career services, people development and working with diverse populations and clients with barriers.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in basic computer skills, including email, Microsoft Office and data entry.

Language Skills

• Required: Fluent in English and one of the following languages Spanish, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, Kurdish.

Other Requirement(s)

• Must have dependable transportation.
• Must have the ability to work collaboratively and independently in a fast-paced environment.

Work Schedule

• Regular – Normal work hours and days assigned based on a work week of 40 hours.

Salary/Benefits

• Base Salary Range: $46,491 -$52,885, with final offer based on education and experience.
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, including one medical plan fully paid by Caritas of Austin for employee-only coverage, with additional plan options available.
• Time Off: 20 days of PTO in year one (increasing with tenure) and 14 paid holidays.
• Retirement: 403(b) retirement plan with employer match.
• Additional Perks: Mileage reimbursement, monthly phone stipend, discounted memberships (e.g., LegalShield), and parking for employees working from the downtown location (if applicable).
• Student Loan Forgiveness: Caritas of Austin is a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Learn more: https://studentaid.gov/pslf/

Caritas of Austin is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.