Early Employment Specialist

Job Overview:

The Early Employment Specialist is responsible for managing the provision of services to assist newly arrived clients to attain self-sufficiency through employment. Specifically, the Early Employment Specialist provides services that include employer and market development, employment search, client and employer preparation, job placement, career enhancement, job training and assessment and follow-up. They are also charged with maintaining accurate and timely data collection for employment services and reporting on program deliverables.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

· Conduct intake, assessment, and provide pre-employment/job readiness orientation to clients eligible for employment services.

· Develop comprehensive employment plans for each employable adult.

· Conduct both group and one-on-one intense job readiness orientations that provide clients with the basic skills required to enhance their employability.

· Develop and cultivate long term relationships with area employers to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients.

· Determine specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assist clients in accessing these opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process.

· Detail each client interaction in accordance with program requirements in IRC database.

· Monitor job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction.

· Assist clients and employers as necessary with post placement issues and continuing employment needs.

· Use personal, insured vehicle and/or public transportation (where available) to travel and

· transport clients and materials as needed throughout the service delivery area

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

· Comply with all IRC policies, procedures and protocols including adherence to the IRC Way and Child Safeguarding.

· Other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education:

· Undergraduate degree preferred, ideally in Social Work or an equivalent field of study.

Work Experience:

· Demonstrated relevant work experience (in addition to the above) in human services field, preferably in a non-profit or social services agency environment.

· Experience in workforce development field

· Experience with job placement and job readiness training, adult learning principles a plus

· Experience should include a minimum of 2 years providing direct service to underserved communities.

· Lived experience as refugee or immigrant. In lieu of lived experience, experience working with refugees and/or immigrants; cross-cultural or overseas experience will be considered.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

· Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member, self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the consistent record to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.

· Demonstrated ability to promote an organizational culture that reflects IRC’s core values of service, accountability, integrity, and equality. Ability to lead in a way that recognizes that IRC’s work is best accomplished through the true collaboration of individuals from many cultures with a great variety of skills and perspectives.

· 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 prioritize and manage time effectively.

· Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.

· Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by client group 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.

· Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area (home visits, agency visits, service provider visits etc).

Working Environment:

· A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.

· May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

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.