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.
The Employment Specialist is responsible for effectively administering services aimed at attaining self-sufficiency through employment for refugees and immigrants who are new to the U.S. Under the supervision of the Early Employment Program Coordinator, the Employment Specialist provides case management to program participants and works closely with employers, community organizations, service providers, and other IRC staff to facilitate job readiness and job placement among program participants. The position is also responsible for documenting casework activities and outcomes and supporting program compliance.
Major Responsibilities:
Case Management Services
• Provide intensive employment-focused case management to program participants
• Facilitate intake, assessment, and pre-employment orientation for individuals eligible for IRC employment services
• Develop comprehensive employment and self-sufficiency plans for each employable adult and service plans for family members
• Assist program participants in creating a budget and offer strategies for budget improvements
• Provide both group and one-on-one intense job readiness workshops that provide program participants with basic skills required to support employability in the U.S.
• Identify specific employment opportunities appropriate for individual participants and assist participants in pursuing these opportunities by guiding them through the application, interview, and hiring process
• Maintain detailed and timely case notes and documentation throughout the service period
• Monitor and document job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction post job placement for reporting and compliance purposes
Employer Relations
• Develop and cultivate strong relationships with area employers in order to develop and identify appropriate employment opportunities for program participants
• Provide participants and employers with post-placement support, as needed
Compliance Documentation
• Monitor and track participant job performance and wage levels as required by program funding
• Gather required documentation and data for case files throughout service period and to support case closeout procedures
• Ensure timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements, including database management, case noting, and file maintenance
Team/Office Participation
• Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive, strength-based services to IRC participants through coordination of cases and effective communication between team members and departments
• Participate in all program meetings, and staff development and wellness activities
• Comply with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency
Other duties as assigned
Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: Early Employment Program Coordinator
Indirect Reporting: IRC Seattle Employment Program team
Other Internal and/or external contacts:
Internal: IRC Seattle Resettlement team, IRC Seattle Economic Empowerment team, other IRC Seattle program teams, IRC HQ early employment network
External: Local employers, WA Office of Refugee & Immigrant Assistance, LEP Pathway (state employment program) prime contractors
Job Requirements:
• Relevant degree or equivalent professional or lived experience
• Relevant work experience in the human services field, experience working with refugees and/or immigrants
• Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred
• Experience with U.S. job search, interview, placement, and work experience
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively
• Professional proficiency in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population strongly preferred (including Burmese, Dari, Farsi, French, Pashto, Swahili, Ukrainian)
• Highly organized and capable of keeping up with administrative requirements
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance and ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area
• Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning
Working Environment:
• Standard, professional office environment (flexible remote and in-office)
• 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.
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.
How to apply
https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/job/req54807/Employment-Specialist