Employment Specialist

Job Overview: The Employment Specialist is responsible to provide direct job placement and retention services to support refugees to attain economic self-sufficiency through employment in the Turlock and Modesto offices. This position reports to the Job Placement Supervisor.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Support clients through the job placement process including job search activities, completing and submitting applications, interview, and new hire processes.
• Follow up with client and employer after employment begins at regular intervals during retention period to provide post placement support as needed.
• Monitor and track job performance and wage level through database.
• Complete case notes and file maintenance.
• Participate in program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engages as a team member.
• Comply with all policies, procedures and protocols of the agency.

Other responsibilities:

• Conduct client orientations, assessments, appraisals, intake for Limited English Proficient Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) participants, and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) participants.
• On-going case management, counseling and transportation assistance as needed, including referrals to outside resources such as social adjustment as needed.
• Develop comprehensive employment plans for each employable adult.
• Determine specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assisting clients in accessing these opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: County Employment Program Coordinator

Indirect Reporting: Economic Empowerment Manager

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

External: Local employers

Job Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field
• 2+ years’ experience in related field
• Demonstrated experience with the US Job search process
• Experience working with refugee or non-native English speaking population preferred
• Familiarity with local job market preferred

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Previous multi-cultural experience and demonstrated ability to communicate well with people of varied backgrounds strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to coach people through the nuanced process of securing employment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required
• Experience using data and tracking systems strongly preferred

Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance required

Language Skills:

• Fluency in written and spoken English required.
• Fluency in additional languages reflecting target population preferred.

Working Environment:

• Standard office work environment, hybrid schedule.
• Regular travel to and between Turlock and Modesto office and local employer locations throughout local radius required.
• Occasional work outside of traditional office hours required

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.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.

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.