Employment Specialist
New York, NY RAI USA
Job Overview:
The RSSP Early Employment Specialist assists newly arrived refugee clients to attain self-sufficiency through employment. This role works closely with clients in IRC’s Refugee Social Service Program (RSSP) employment program, to ensure job seekers obtain at least entry-level employment during their first 3 months after enrollment. Services include employment preparation, job placement, career enhancement services and close follow-up services. The Employment Specialist networks with area employers, staffing agencies and community-based workforce organizations to ensure ongoing opportunities for client placement.
Major Responsibilities:
- Provide intake, assessment, and pre-employment/job readiness orientation to clients eligible for employment services.
- Orient participants to the RSSP early employment program, including the rules and expectations of the program.
- Participate in development of self-sufficiency plans for employable adults and engage adults in budgeting at time of employment to assess household income versus expenses.
- Provide individualized job preparation, job application and job placement services that enhance clients’ employability and result in successful placements.
- Coordinate job readiness activities, including job readiness training, job search/development plans, resume development, interview preparation, and other support as needed.
- Develop and cultivate long term relationships with area employers to secure job placements.
- Monitor job performance, wage level, employer/employee satisfaction and job retention.
- Assist clients and employers with post placement issues and continuing employment needs.
- Record all employment services and placements in Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database and complete periodic reports documenting self-sufficiency.
- Process client payments on financial software.
- Collaborate closely with caseworkers and other economic empowerment staff to ensure client compliance with program guidelines including, but not limited to, attendance in English language and job readiness training, participation in all available interviews and acceptance of job offers.
- Train and supervise employment services interns serving early employment clients.
- Ensure timely and accurate compliance of all reporting requirements.
- Other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
Work Experience:
- At least 2-4 years of experience experience in workforce development, preferably with immigrants or refugees
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:
- Self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
- Ability to build rapport with clients from all walks of life and backgrounds while setting appropriate boundaries and limits and while holding clients to a high standard of accountability.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills as well as an overall ability to be clear and concise in all communications.
- Exceptional organizational skills with proven attention to detail.
- Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
- Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)
- Ability to travel regularly throughout New York City (preferably by public transportation).
Education: Undergraduate degree.
Language Skills: Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability required, preferably in Creole, Spanish, French, Arabic, Dari/Farsi and/or Pashto.
Preferred experience & skills:
- Strong digital literacy skills and knowledge of payment solutions software.
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
- Ability to manage and work through change in a proactive and positive manner.
Working Environment: Standard office work environment, along with some field work, including visits to employers, client homes and other community-based partners. Car preferred, but field work is able to be completed via public transportation.
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 requirement.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.
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: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days (depending on role and tenure), medical insurance starting at $145 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus a 3-7% base IRC contribution (3 year vesting), disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
