Employment Specialist

Are you a person of compassion? An advocate for justice? Someone who stands up for the rights of the vulnerable and speaks out for the marginalized, the exploited and the forgotten? Do you believe in our calling as Christians to welcome the least of these and love our neighbor? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of the above, World Relief, and millions of people around the world need you. At this pivotal moment in time, we are rapidly expanding and growing our team to meet the increasing needs of our world. We are looking for people who want to use their gifts and talents to make a real and tangible difference in our world and the lives of the suffering. If you’re looking for a purpose-driven career in which you can grow your talents, while also standing up for the rights of the vulnerable, we want you to join us today. Organization Summary World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization whose mission is to boldly engage the world’s greatest crises in partnership with the church. The organization was founded in the aftermath of World WarII to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of war‑torn Europe. Since then, for 80years, across 100countries, World Relief has partnered with local churches and communities to build a world where families thrive and communities flourish. Today, organizational programming focuses on humanitarian and disaster response, community strengthening and resilience, and refugee & immigrant services and advocacy. Position Summary As an Employment Specialist, you will walk alongside newly arrived refugees, asylees, and other immigrants, while also supporting ongoing clients through their employment journey as they build foundational stability and progress toward long‑term career mobility. You will provide individualized assistance in their search for initial employment and collaborate with them on employment related matters, including job retention and job re‑placement as relevant. In this role, you will help clients become economically self‑sufficient by preparing them for employment, utilizing WRDA’s extensive employer contacts to place them in jobs, and offering counseling on job upgrades and career pathway opportunities. You will also support clients in identifying both immediate and long‑term career goals, guiding them through the steps needed to achieve advancement into higher‑skilled, higher‑wage roles, including referring them, when ready, to Career Pathways services and/or educational programming that aligns with their advancement goals. Finally, you will maintain and expand a strong employer network that creates accessible, quality opportunities for clients at every stage of their employment journey, whether they are securing their first U.S. job or seeking growth in their careers. Responsibilities Provide individualized workforce coaching, including pre‑employment counseling, assessments, and career guidance based on participant needs, English level, and work readiness. Deliver job readiness training through one‑to‑one and group sessions, covering resumes, interviews, job search strategies, and workplace expectations. Support job placement by matching participants to appropriate opportunities and assisting with applications, interviews, and onboarding. Develop individualized transportation solutions to ensure reliable access to employment. Provide retention and follow‑up support, including ongoing coaching to address workplace challenges and promote job stability. Promote career advancement by helping participants identify goals and connecting them to training, credentials, and career pathway opportunities. Engage employers and community partners to build relationships and align job opportunities with participant skills. Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with program and grant requirements. Collaborate across teams, programs, and volunteers to coordinate services and support participant success. Qualifications Mature and personal Christian faith Committed to the mission, vision, and values of World Relief Desire to serve and empower the Church to impact vulnerable communities Ability to affirm or acknowledge World Relief’s Core Beliefs, Statement of Faith, Christian Identity, and the National Association of Evangelicals’ For the Health of The Nation document Strong interpersonal, relational, and cross‑cultural communication skills, with the ability to effectively coach, motivate, and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve personal and employment goals. Ability to communicate clearly with individuals of varying English proficiency levels and adapt coaching approaches to meet different learning styles and work histories. Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment with flexibility, organization, and attention to detail. Effective problem‑solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills, including the ability to advocate for clients with employers when needed. Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the U.S. labor market, particularly in the Chicagoland area, and trends affecting refugee and immigrant jobseekers. Understanding of or sensitivity to the refugee and immigrant experience, including trauma‑informed and culturally responsive practices. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team Maintain a valid driver’s license and meet MVR eligibility requirements. Bachelor’s degree required, preferably with at least one year experience in an office environment Bilingual or multilingual ability is strongly preferred. Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends Proficient in Microsoft Office applications Benefits World Relief offers a competitive benefits package and employee discount program for full‑time, Regular, employees. World Relief is honored to be recognized with the Gold‑level Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation for exceeding the core components of our well‑being program including leadership and culture, program foundations and execution, and whole person health. EEO Statement Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing. For World Relief staff, strong commitment to the mission, vision, and values of World Relief is essential, and Christian faith is a prerequisite for employment, based upon United States federal guidelines provided in TitleVII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. #J-18808-Ljbffr