Refugee Services Employment Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

About CAPI USA

Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants (CAPI) is a multi-lingual, immigrant-led nonprofit serving 10,000 immigrants and refugees from around the world each year. We help individuals and families build self-sufficient, thriving lives and work toward a Minnesota where immediate needs are met and everyone can access opportunities to create prosperous communities. Guided by our values of hospitality, diversity, collaboration, and advocacy, CAPI is committed to dignity, inclusion, and lasting community impact.

 

Join Our Team as an Employment Counselor

CAPI is seeking a compassionate, culturally responsive, and relationship-driven Employment Counselor to provide employment services and support to refugees, asylees, and other eligible immigrants. 

The Employment Counselor plays a critical role in helping participants achieve economic self-sufficiency and long-term career success. This position works directly with clients to assess employment readiness, develop individualized employment plans, provide job search and placement assistance, and support career advancement opportunities. The Employment Counselor also collaborates with employers, workforce partners, and community organizations to create meaningful employment opportunities while ensuring participants receive the support needed to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.

This full-time, hourly position (37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday) 

 

Key Responsibilities

Employment Counseling and Career Advancement: Provide culturally responsive employment counseling and support to newly arrived immigrants, refugees, and eligible participants. Determine program eligibility, complete enrollment documentation, and develop individualized employment plans with realistic and measurable goals. Assist participants in overcoming barriers to employment by connecting them with appropriate community resources and support services. Provide job search assistance, career coaching, workforce readiness training, and orientation to U.S. workplace expectations and culture. Support participants in obtaining and maintaining employment while promoting opportunities for career advancement and increased economic stability. Conduct ongoing follow-up and retention services to ensure participants remain successfully employed and continue progressing toward employment goals.

Employer Partnerships and Community Engagement: Develop and maintain relationships with employers, workforce development agencies, and community partners to identify employment opportunities for participants. Conduct outreach and networking activities to create job placement and advancement opportunities that align with participant skills and career interests. Represent CAPI in meetings, presentations, employer visits, and community events to promote program services and strengthen partnerships. Collaborate with internal departments and external organizations to coordinate supportive services that contribute to participant success.

Program Documentation and Reporting: Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records in accordance with program requirements, Federal Data Privacy laws, and agency policies. Document participant activities, case notes, employment outcomes, and progress toward goals. Enter and manage participant information within MRIS, Salesforce, and other required databases. Monitor program outputs and outcomes, prepare weekly reports, and ensure compliance with contract requirements, funding guidelines, and program performance standards. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous improvement through thorough documentation and outcome tracking.

Civic Engagement and Public Policy Initiatives: Support CAPI's agency-wide Civic Engagement and Public Policy initiatives by incorporating civic engagement opportunities into routine case management work. Participate in voter registration efforts, educational outreach, community engagement activities, pledge drives, get-out-the-vote initiatives, and other public policy efforts that empower immigrant and refugee communities.

Agency Collaboration and Organizational Support: Participate actively in team meetings, all-staff meetings, trainings, and organizational initiatives. Represent and promote CAPI's mission, values, and services in a variety of public and professional settings. Perform other duties and projects as assigned to support the agency's goals and community impact.

 

Qualifications

• A bachelors degree in a related field or 2 years of related experience
• At least 2 years of non-profit experience preferred
• Experience in employment counseling or case management preferred
• Ability to create and execute outreach plans; strong sense of motivation and initiative; strong employer/human resources contacts preferred
• Ability to record and maintain accurate case management records and database reporting
• Ability to establish solid partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and conduct effective outreach independently
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse populations and knowledge of cultural competence
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances, communicate effectively with clients, stakeholders, and colleagues, and demonstrate sound judgement in all interactions
• Ability to demonstrate a high degree of professionalism in communication, attitude, and teamwork with CAPI's clients, staff, and management
• Ability to produce high quality work, with attention to detail and consistent follow through
• Ability to exercise sound and rational judgement when assisting all visitors and answering questions
• Able to work effectively in a mission-driven agency whose clients and staff exhibit significant diversity with respect to race, ethnicity, gender orientation, socio-economic status, nationality, and religion
• Ability and skills to manage time effectively, including prioritizing work and meeting deadlines
• Knowledge and Ability to use & adapt to different technology tools, including MS Office programs and databases; MRIS experience, and Salesforce preferred
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed

 

Join a Mission-Driven Team – Apply Today!

If you are passionate about using your expertise to enhance the lives of refugees and immigrants, we invite you to apply for the Employment Counselor position!