Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Overview

The Employment Specialist assists newly arrived refugees and other qualified immigrants to attain self-sufficiency through employment by guiding them through employment preparation, coordinating job placements, and other career advancement services.

Responsibilities

Include, but are not limited to:

• Identify and secure job opportunities for clients by networking with employers, attending job fairs, and utilizing job search platforms.
• Conduct comprehensive intakes, assessments, orientations, and job readiness classes.
• Provide job counseling and case management for employable adults.
• Deliver group and individual job readiness courses, including cultural orientation, interview practice, resume building, and job skills development.
• Create tailored employment plans for clients.
• Maintain accurate digital and physical records of attendance, assessments, and services.
• Build and nurture long-term relationships with local employers.
• Identify suitable job opportunities and guide clients through the hiring process.
• Monitor client job performance, wages, and satisfaction.
• Assist with post-placement issues and ongoing employment needs.
• Ensure compliance with reporting requirements, including database management and case notes.
• Develop and coordinate career development training programs.
• Supervise and support program interns and volunteers.

Position Reports To: Economic Empowerment Coordinator

Position Directly Supervises: Volunteers and Interns

Indirect Supervision: N/A

Internal: Collaborate closely with other departments where there is overlap in client caseload, including communication with other department managers. Coordinate with Finance, Community Relations and Development teams as needed.

External: Community-based organizations, employers, and workforce agencies.

Job Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in Business, Social Work, Social Sciences, or related field, or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years' relevant experience in human services, workforce development, or economic development preferred.
• Supervisory or mentoring experience desired.
• Demonstrated experience with the US job search process and mentoring clients through securing employment. Familiarity with the Silver Spring job market is a plus.
• Ability to work as part of a team and supervise volunteers and interns.
• Proven success in achieving goals and working effectively in a dynamic, multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrated success in multi-cultural communication.
• Proven ability to contribute independently and as a team member.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills, able to multi-task, prioritize, take initiative, and manage time effectively.
• Proficient in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in Amharic, Dari, French, Kinyarwanda, Pashto, Spanish, or Swahili is desired.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and online databases.
• Valid driver's license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and willingness to travel regularly within the service area.

Working Environment

• The role combines office tasks, remote work, and on-site visits within the service area.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work

Compensation

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

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

US Benefits

We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Standard of Professional Conduct

The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.