Job Overview: The Employment Specialist guides, prepares, and empowers newly arrived refugees to achieve financial self-sufficiency through employment. The Employment Specialist is responsible for managing and documenting service provision, working collaboratively with team members, and meeting performance goals. Specifically, the Employment Specialist provides services that include employment preparation, job readiness training, place 56% of assigned clients in full time jobs, career enhancement services and follow-up services. This position also works within a team to maintain and nurture existing employer relationships. This position reports to the Employment Supervisor.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
- Providing comprehensive intake, assessment, orientation, and pre-employment/job readiness support (1:1 support and classes/workshops) to clients eligible for employment services.
- Providing job counseling and case management support to newly arrived refugees.
- Conducting group and one-on-one job readiness courses that provide clients with the basic skills required to enhance their employability, such as cultural and workplace orientation, mock interviews, creation of resumes, and job skills development sessions.
- Identifying client direct assistance needs and ensuring assistance requests are in compliance with funder guidelines.
- Developing comprehensive employment plans for each employable adult.
- Keeping accurate digital and physical attendance, assessment, and service provision records.
- Developing and cultivating long term relationships with area employers in order to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients.
- Determining specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assisting clients in accessing these opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process.
- Monitoring client job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction.
- Assisting clients and employers as necessary with post placement issues and continuing employment needs.
- Providing on-site support at a Sacramento Job Center location on dedicated days during the week.
- Ensuring timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements, including database management, case noting, and file maintenance.
- Maintaining strong referral partner relationships including timely and accurate updating of client referrals and potential program enrollment
- Responsible for outcomes of English Language Learner program (including enrollments, placement, retention, six month and one year follow ups, and co-enrollments).
- Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC Sacramento.
- Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.
- Oversee volunteers and Interns.
- Other duties as assigned.
Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: Employment Manager
Internal contacts: IRC Employees, clients, interns, volunteers
External contacts: Current and potential client employers
Job Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study; or equivalent work experience.
- Supervisory or mentoring experience desired.
- Demonstrated experience with the US job search process and the ability to effectively coach clients through the nuanced process of securing employment.
- Previous experience supporting clients in understanding and adhering to social service program requirements in a tactful, encouraging manner.
- Ability to accurately document program data requirements in a variety of tracking tools (e.g., databases, spreadsheets, etc.) in a timely manner
- Familiarity with the Sacramento job market strongly preferred.
- Ability to work as part of a team and to oversee volunteers and interns.
- Proven success achieving goals and working effectively with all levels of staff in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment.
- Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
- Self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
- Bilingual in Dari/Pashto or Ukrainian preferred but not required.
- Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in another language is desired.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and online databases.
- Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the willingness to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.
Working Environment:
- A combination of standard office environment and ‘field’ time in and around the service delivery area.
- May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
- FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
- Stable Wi-Fi with hybrid model
Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
US Benefits: The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12-month time period.
