Employment Specialist

The Employment Specialist in Iowa 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 Conduct intake, assessment and provide program orientation to clients eligible for employment services. Develop comprehensive employment plans and budget strategies for each employable adult. Provide job readiness and job search coaching and connect clients with job opportunities. Develop and cultivate long-term relationships with area employers and staffing agencies to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients. Assist clients and employers as necessary with post-placement issues and continuing employment needs. Monitor client job performance, wage levels, and related metrics. Detail each client interaction in accordance with program requirements. Input client information in database(s) and assist with tracking and reporting as needed. Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations. Build and maintain relationships with area service providers for the benefit of clients. Use personal, insured vehicle and/or public transportation (where available) to travel and transport clients and materials as needed throughout the service delivery area. May train and lead the activities of support staff, volunteers, and interns. Other duties as assigned. Requirements Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study preferred. Relevant professional experience in workforce development field required; minimum of 2 years’ experience strongly preferred. Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations strongly preferred. Experience with job placement and job readiness training a plus. Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships. Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment. Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively. Attention to detail and accuracy in work product. Proficient in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group is desired. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research and problem-solving purposes. Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle. Skills Workforce Development Job Placement Activities Job Readiness Training Relationship Building Diplomacy Networking Multicultural Communication Problem Solving Time Management Attention to Detail MS Word MS Excel Microsoft Outlook Data Entry Internet Research Languages English #J-18808-Ljbffr