Employment Specialist

Job Overview: 

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives? Join IRC as an Employment Specialist and play a pivotal role in empowering newly arrived refugees and qualified immigrants to achieve self-sufficiency through employment. This role offers an outstanding opportunity to work in a dynamic and encouraging environment, where your contributions will have a lasting impact. As an Employment Specialist, you will be at the forefront of our mission, guiding individuals through job readiness training, placement support, and career development services. Your work will be especially exciting as you help clients successfully complete their employment plans and integrate into the community.

Responsibilities: 

Include, but are not limited to:

• 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: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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.