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 50 countries and more than 25 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 guides, prepares, and empowers employment program clients to achieve financial self-sufficiency through employment. The Employment Specialist is responsible for managing and documenting service provision, working collaboratively with team members, and meeting performance goals. Specifically, the Employment Specialist provides services that include employment preparation, job readiness training, placement support, career enhancement services and follow-up services. This position also works within a team to maintain and nurture existing employer relationships.

Responsibilities: Include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and cultivate long-term relationships with local employers to identify appropriate employment and work experience opportunities for clients.

• Determine specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assist clients in accessing these opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process.

• Determine specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assist clients in accessing these opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process.

• Provide comprehensive intake, assessment, orientation, and pre-employment/job readiness classes to clients eligible for employment services.

• Conduct group and one-on-one job readiness courses that provide clients with the basic skills required to enhance their employability, such as cultural and workplace orientation, mock interviews, creation of resumes, and job skills development sessions.

• Keep accurate digital and physical attendance, assessment, and service provision records.

• Monitor client job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction.

• Assist clients and employers as necessary with post placement issues and continuing employment needs.

• Ensure timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements, including database management, case noting, cash assistance, and file maintenance.

• Develop and coordinate training programs to assist with career development opportunities.

• Supervise and assist program interns and volunteers.

• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in Social Work, social sciences, or related field of study; or equivalent work experience.

• Minimum of two years of relevant work experience in human services field preferred.

• Demonstrated experience with the US job search process and the ability to effectively coach clients through the nuanced process of securing employment.

• Familiarity with the local job market strongly preferred.

• Proven success achieving goals and working effectively with all levels of staff in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment.

• Self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.

• Fluency in both spoken and written English is required. Proficiency in additional languages commonly spoken by refugees is a plus.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and online databases.

• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the willingness to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

Working Environment:

• Standard, professional office environment, including the current hybrid mode of remote work within San Diego County and required in-office days and some ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above-outlined responsibilities. Office working environment is subject to change based on organization/business needs.

• Requires work at both City Heights and El Cajon offices.

• May require occasional work during evenings or weekends.

• San Diego Office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm.

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.

US Benefits:

The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

In addition, full-time employees are eligible for 10 US paid holidays, 20-25 paid time off days, disability & life insurance, medical, dental, and vision insurance (employee contribution starting at $135, $7, and $5 per month respectively) and FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs. Part-time employees are eligible for a proportionate amount of paid time off. These additional benefits apply to employees who work at least 6 months within a 12 month time period.

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.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.