Refugee Employment Specialist

BACKGROUND

Since 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Founded at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers life-saving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster.

The International Rescue Committee UK is part of the IRC global network, which is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through over 20 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC also helps refugees resettle in the US and become self-sufficient.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC UK

IRC UK were established in London in 1997 to support the organisation’s global activities and particularly to diversify its donor base and be able to better advocate with European policy-makers on behalf of the people we serve. Since its establishment IRC UK has grown rapidly and is now acknowledged for its high-quality project management, technical expertise in governance and rights and economic recovery, and innovative thinking on early recovery and gender-based violence. IRC UK comprises approximately 175 staff. The IRC UK delivers Resettlement Asylum and Integration (RAI) programming for refugees, such as Cultural Orientation training, leadership development, peer mentoring and employment support, working in partnership with local councils.

The Purpose of the Role

The Refugee Employment Specialist will serve as a coach to refugee clients enrolled in IRC’s integration programmes with the goal to support refugees in attaining self-reliance through employment. The Refugee Employment Specialist provides services that include employment preparation, placement, career enhancement services and follow-up services.

Key Working Relationships:

Position reports to Senior Integration Officer. Position works closely with the Client Outreach Officers, RISE Project Manager and Integration Officers**.**

Key Accountabilities

• Provide job counseling and case management support to refugees.
• Provide intake, assessment, orientation, and pre-employment/job readiness classes to clients eligible for employment services.
• Develop comprehensive employment plans for each employable adult.
• Provide 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.
• Monitor 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, and file maintenance.
• Effectively collaborate with external partner organizations and internal coworkers.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Minimum two years related professional experience in a nonprofit or social services environment;
• Demonstrated experience with the job search process and the ability to effectively coach clients through the nuanced process of securing employment in the UK;
• The ability to conduct workshops and learning activities in a multi-cultural, multi-lingual setting;
• Solid diplomatic and networking skills: the ability to effectively manage a variety of internal and external relationships;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients in English;
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines;
• Ability to work as part of a team;
• Proficiency in using Microsoft Office, experience leading meetings or trainings via online platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype;
• Ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.