Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist

Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. One aspect of the IRC is to provide assistance to refugees resettling in the United States. The IRC opened an office in Phoenix, Arizona in 1994 to provide reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees. The office resettles refugees and provides numerous program services to assist refugees from their arrival through citizenship.

The Employment Specialist is responsible for managing the provision of services to assist newly arrived refugee clients to attain self sufficiency through employment. Specifically, the Employment Specialist provides services that include employer and market development, employment search, client and employer preparation, job placement, career enhancement, job training and assessment and follow-up, and enrollment assistance with Arizona Unemployment Insurance benefits. They are also charged with maintaining accurate and timely data collection for employment services and reporting on program deliverables.

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Providing intake, assessment, and pre-employment/job readiness orientation to clients eligible for employment services.
• Developing comprehensive employment plans for each employable adult.
• Providing both group and one-on-one intense job readiness orientations that provide clients with the basic skills required to enhance their employability.
• 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 job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction.
• Assisting clients and employers as necessary with post placement issues and continuing employment needs.
• Assisting clients with applying for Unemployment Insurance benefits and filing weekly claims.
• Ensuring timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements.
• Participating in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engaging as a member of the team.
• Complying with all policies, procedures and protocols of the agency.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Key working relationships:

Position reports to: Employment Supervisor

Other internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: IRC staff, interns and volunteers

External: Community partners, employers

Job requirements:

• At least two years of related experience in case management, employment, job placement and/or business.
• Demonstrated experience with the US job search process and the ability to coach clients effectively through the nuanced process of securing employment.
• Knowledge of the Tucson job market strongly preferred.
• Excellent communication skills, with fluency in written and spoken English. Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired.
• 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.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and strong keyboarding skills and internet usage and research skills
• Proven success achieving goals and working effectively with all levels of staff in a multicultural environment.
• Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.
• Must have or be eligible to receive a Fingerprint Clearance Card.

Compensation: (Pay Rate: $20.97). 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.

Working environment:

• Standard office work environment, coupled with travel in and around the service delivery area.
• Work outside of traditional office hours may be required on occasion.

Benefits: We offer our employees phenomenal benefits such as paid parental leave, generous time off, and excellent medical, dental, and vision options.

Commitment to diversity and inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

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.