Employment Specialist

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 in order 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.
• Fluent in English and Haitian Creole, both spoken and written, is required. Additional fluency in Spanish 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.

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.