Employment and Cash Specialist

Job Overview/Summary:

The full-time employment and cash specialist works closely with clients in IRC’s Matching Grant (MG) early-employment program, to ensure job seekers obtain at least entry-level employment during their first six to eight months in New Jersey. Services include employment preparation, job placement, career enhancement services and close follow-up services. They network 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.

· Collaborate with caseworkers, adult education coordinator and employment specialists 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.

· Participate in development of self-sufficiency plans for employable adults and engage adults in budgeting at time of employment to assess financial health.

· For MG clients, and in collaboration with the economic empowerment team:

· Provide individualized job preparation, application and placement services that enhance clients’ employability and result in successful 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 services in Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database and relevant reports for MG.

· Request disburse and track cash assistance payments to MG clients successfully complying with program requirements.

· Disperse donations to MG clients and assist with tracking of contributions in kind (CIK), including community assistance and support provided to MG clients.

· Train and supervise interns serving MG clients.

· Ensure timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements.

· Maintain case file documents recording client participation and outcomes.

· Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Education:

· Bachelor’s degree in education, social work or other relevant field preferred

Work Experience:

· At least one-year experience working with immigrants or refugees, preferably in a workforce development and/or case management context

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

· Solid diplomacy, relationship building and networking skills; ability to effectively manage internal and external relationships

· 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

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

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Outlook.

· Ability to travel regularly throughout Northern New Jersey (preferably by car, but public transportation acceptable).

Language Skills:

· Ability to read, write and speak English fluently is required. Fluency in one of the languages of populations served is highly desired (Arabic, Persian/Dari, Pashto, Spanish)

*Working Environment:***Standard office work environment. Some field work required (10% of time), including accompanying clients to employers for training and/or job opportunities.

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.

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.