Specialist, Employment

Lutheran Family Services; Lincoln (NE); Hybrid; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a dedicated Employment Specialist to provide essential services to refugees and immigrants. The role involves assessing client needs, creating employability plans, and collaborating with community partners. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. This position offers a hybrid work environment and requires flexibility to meet client needs.

Qualifications

• Experience in case management or refugee employment services preferred.
• Bilingual in English and another language preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide client-centered services to refugees and immigrants.
• Create employability plans and assist with job search tools.
• Collaborate with community agencies and maintain client files.

Skills

Communication

Problem-Solving

Organizational Skills

Analytical Skills

Time Management

Education

High school diploma / GED

Bachelor’s degree in Human Services

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Type

Full-Time

Position Summary:

• The Employment Specialist ensures that education and employment services are provided to refugees, immigrants, parolees, asylees, and survivors of human trafficking in a planned, effective, and timely manner and according to program requirements. This individual tailor’s client-centered services to the needs of eligible populations and ensures that services provided contribute to early self-sufficiency.
  
  
  

Job Duties:

• Provide client-centered services to all program participants including refugees, immigrants, parolees, asylees, and human trafficking victims in service areas such as housing, health, legal, social services, employment, and education.
• Ensure clients are thoroughly assessed, and then work to create an employability plan.
• Troubleshoot with clients regarding any challenges; provide referrals as needed to overcome barriers to employment.
• Assist clients in developing individualized job search tools such as resumés, cover letters, etc.
• Work with clients and utilize multiple job search tools/sources to identify career opportunities.
• Refer clients to programs to help with skill development including English language acquisition, vocational training, etc.
• Assist clients in preparing for interviews and attend interviews with them as needed.
• Provide ongoing case management to ensure career development.
• Collaborate with and serve as a liaison between non-profits, medical providers, other community agencies, and clients. Foster positive relationships with partner organizations serving clients.
• Comply with all funders, program, and organization requirements.
• Attend hiring events, meetings, or networking events hosted by community partners/businesses.
• Act on behalf of clients regarding their case when working with other organizations.
• Maintain a positive, respectful demeanor during all contact with clients, staff, and the public.
• Create a file for each client with all necessary documentation and ensure information is entered into program databases promptly.
• Assist in compiling data and writing reports and client success stories.
• Ensure compliance in protecting confidential client or agency information.
  
  
  

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, organizational skills, and analytical skills.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to problem-solve independently and proactively address challenges or obstacles.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.
• Ability to act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
• Awareness and sensitivity of the organization’s constituents and populations served by employees.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Regular and predictable attendance, and promptness for work.
• Commitment to uphold the mission, vision, values of Lutheran Family Services.
• Support Lutheran Family Services in the organization’s objective to be a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible workplace.
  
  
  

Position Competencies:

• Verbal Communication
• Written Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Organizational Skills
  
  
  

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma / GED required. Bachelor’s degree in Human Services related field preferred.
• Case management and/or refugee employment services experience is preferred.
• Bilingual in English and another language preferred (desired languages mirror the languages spoken by our client populations, including but not limited to Spanish, Karen, Pashto, Dari, Burmese, Somali, Arabic, Russian, etc.).
• Demonstrated understanding of and ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Valid driver’s license, liability auto insurance, and ability to drive personal vehicle for agency work.
  
  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Hybrid work environment (in office, in community, and remote).
• Laptop and company-issued cell phone.
• Travel to various office locations to support client services, as needed and as applicable by region.
• Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends to meet client needs (as directed).
  
  
  

Lutheran Family Services is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of age, race, religion, color, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.