Workforce Development Specialist

Job Overview:

The Workforce Development Specialist provides comprehensive case management services to clients looking for job search support, financial literacy and public benefits enrollment, at the RAI office in NYC. Case management comprises designing, developing, and implementing a career roadmap preparing low-income clients to professionally and financially grow. This role is also responsible for supporting outreach, enrollment, and monitoring progress on goal attainment. The Workforce Development Specialist will refer clients to industry-aligned training and certifications, provide career coaching, and job placement support to clients, and develop community and employment partnerships.

Major Responsibilities:

• Manage an annual caseload of 100 low-income job seekers.
• Conduct pre-enrollment assessments with clients, enroll eligible candidates, create career development plans detailing a client’s long-term career goals and a step-by-step plan for their achievement, and provide ongoing case management.
• Facilitate workshops to prepare clients learn basic skills required to work in NYC. Develop and refine advanced work readiness curriculum in collaboration with agency staff, both online and in person, to help clients overcome training and work barriers.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files documenting client goals, activities, and services, and monitor clients’ progress.
• Document services provided and client outcomes in relevant case management databases.
• Provide one-on-one assistance to ensure clients’ professional success.
• Identify and engage local agencies for participant referrals and maintain relationship with training partners to assess progress of training participants.
• Work closely with IRC employment specialists, public benefits specialists, and financial education staff members to integrate career development activities within existing services.
• Support the colleagues in tracking quantifiable measurements to assess project effectiveness.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

Work Experience:

• At least two years of related professional experience in workforce development.
• Experience in developing curriculum for job seekers.
• Experience in a non-profit setting and prior experience working in employment services a plus.
• Experience working in a diverse and non-traditional setting with a multicultural client base.

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.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and 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 multicultural environment.

• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).

• Experience managing databases.

Language Skills:

• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability required, preferably in Spanish. Basic knowledge of Farsi, Pashto, Russian, or Ukrainian is a plus.

Preferred experience & skills:

• Ability to work both independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional team structure
• 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:** Willingness to work during class hours (mid-morning and late afternoon). Standard office work environment, along with some local travel to employers and other community-based partners.

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 new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

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 $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.