Early Employment Coordinator

Job Overview

Using a trauma-informed, person-centered approach that empowers clients, the Early Employment Coordinator provides leadership and supervision to the Early Employment programs which support newly arrived refugees and Afghan evacuees in achieving rapid, stabilization employment through an array of services and programs. The Employment Coordinator is a great communicator and able to motivate others to achieve ambitious goals. They should be able to provide clear guidance, lead a dynamic team, and successfully implement several grants on strict timelines. They will oversee a team of direct service staff and provision of services for the federally funded Matching Grant Employment Program and an array of other programs. The position is responsible for ensuring that programs meet all performance goals per contract requirements, are responsive to client needs, and operate within budget and compliance parameters. Program reports include ongoing verifications, monthly outcome reports, and ongoing internal database management. The position will also be responsible for ensuring sustainability of this program area through program development and training and onboarding new staff. The Early Employment Coordinator must be committed to working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with a team committed to offering high-quality, community-based programming. They must have strong writing abilities, sound judgment, and be comfortable making decisions in a fluid environment. The Early Employment Coordinator operates under the supervision of the Economic Empowerment Manager and the Idaho Office for Refugees and demands a high level of communication within internal IRC staff and external community partners, multi-tasking, and problem solving.

Major Responsibilities

Early Employment Program Management & Coordination

· Provide daily management and oversight to the Early Employment Programs, which serve newly arrived refugees, Special Immigrant Visa holders (SIVs), and other immigrants.

· Ensure that program services are responsive to client needs, satisfy program requirements, and are completed in a timely fashion.

· Oversee the provision of client services including outreach and recruitment, program orientation, intake, assessments, job readiness training, job counseling, employment case management, and job placement services.

· Employ a strengths-based approach to problem solving with staff and clients and responding to grievances as needed.

· Work collaboratively with other agency staff, particularly Resettlement Manager and team, to ensure that Early Employment Services programming is integrated into the continuum of IRC services and are able to meet enrollment outcomes.

· Provide leadership and supervision to Early Employment direct service staff, including leading team meetings, individual supervision and coaching, and conducting goal setting and performance reviews.

· Oversee budget, implement spending plans, and approve expenses for the US Office for Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-funded Matching Grant program and other early employment related funds, ensuring costs are maintained within allocated budgets.

· Monitor caseload assignments and service provision, perform internal monitoring, and resolve staff challenges, as well as provide quality assurance reviews of documents submitted by staff.

· Oversee early employment staff and efforts to cultivate new employer relationships and job development sectors, as well as strengthen existing employer relationships to support client job placement.

· Act as principal liaison with IRC Headquarters Matching Grant team.

· Create / update early employment related policies as needed to ensure optimal service delivery.

Compliance & Reporting

· Monitor the delivery of early employment services to ensure compliance with all program standards and grant requirements in accordance with the ORR Matching Grant Program requirements.

· Ensure that all electronic case files and databases are maintained in accordance with contract requirements and all records required by IRC are submitted on time and in accordance with guidelines.

· Ensure timely submission of all touchpoints and reports by program staff. Monitor case files to ensure program compliance and oversee tracking of program finances and expenditures.

· Coordinate ORR monitoring, and IRC internal monitoring.

· Manage strategy for meeting match requirements under ORR Matching Grant and other funding, ensure accurate and timely documentation of match throughout program periods.

· Prepare internal match reports for the Deputy Director of Programs, Finance Manager & Executive Director.

Business Development

· Collaborate with the Development Manager and donations coordinator to leverage donations in support of the program’s match component.

· In conjunction with the development team, identify and respond to grant proposals as approved / directed by the Deputy Director Programs.

· Participate in the annual development and writing of grant proposals in support of the work of the Early Employment team.

Advocacy, Equity & Inclusion

· Advocate for changes to systemic problems with relevant stakeholders such as: State Refugee Coordinator, ORR, PRM, DSHS, USCIS, CBP, DOL, etc.

· Collaborate closely with Senior Management Team to implement culturally relevant and Gender, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (GEDI)-informed client and partner feedback methods, and to close the feedback loop data collection tools and methods.

· Monitor and analyze reporting from client engagement activities.

People Management

· With the HR Lead, assisting in recruiting, training and coaching staff, including working collaboratively with program personnel to help them set, pursue and achieve goals and objectives for performance and professional development.

· Design and implement new staff trainings, ongoing refresher trainings, and relevant staff trainings.

· Ensure that staff are well-trained in ORR Matching Grant program requirements in order to ensure compliance with the contract and match guidelines.

· Utilize IRC’s People Management Standards including regular team and individual meetings, clear expectations, effective feedback, and responsive support**.**

· Provide mentorship and support to staff around professional development, workload management, trauma-informed approach, and staff wellness.

· Cultivate an environment of teamwork through regular program meetings and on-going training.

· Provide clear communications, expectations, and support two-way feedback loop with program staff.

· Conduct mid-year and annual performance management evaluations.

Leadership:

· Represent IRC with partner organizations, funders, and other community stakeholders.

· In conjunction with Managers take ownership of relevant strategic objectives, provide guidance and oversight to the appropriate objectives in the IRC Seattle Strategic Action Plan.

· Act as a member of IRC Washington Senior Management Team.

· Work with IRC Washington Senior Management Team, program leads and other staff, and ensure a good working relationship with all internal departments/programs in the design and coordination of new partnerships and community and client engagement.

· Participate in all staff meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a member of the IRC Washington team.

· Comply with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agency.

· Other duties as assigned

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Economic Empowerment Manager,

Indirect Reporting: Executive Director, Idaho Office for Refugees, IRC HQ Resettlement Program Team

Job Requirements

Relevant degree or equivalent professional and/or lived experience in ORR Matching Grant program and/or early employment services for refugee or immigrant populations;

· Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferred

· In lieu of lived experience, experience working with refugees and/or immigrants; cross-cultural or overseas experience accepted

· Minimum 3-5 years of related professional experience.

· Strong public speaking and presentation skills.

· Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.

· Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

· Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.

· Self-direction and initiative to take the lead and to follow through to completion.

· Excellent attention to detail and strong follow through.

· Excellent organizational and time management skills.

· Strong leader with ability to work independently.

· Professional proficiency in English, both spoken and written; ability to communicate in other languages is desired.

· Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.

· Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning.

Working Environment

· Must be based in the service delivery area.

· A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined. May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

· Must have a valid driver’s license with legally required insurance. Position will require using own transportation within service delivery area. Mileage reimbursement available.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

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.

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 $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, 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.