Early Employment Navigator AmeriCorps

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

THIS POSITION IS A SERVICE MEMBER ROLE EMPLOYED BY THE FEDERAL AMERICORPS PROGRAM. This position is not an employee of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and is not eligible for IRC benefits. Service members who accept a role for placement at the IRC are eligible to apply for an IRC staff role once the service term is complete. This position will complete 900 hours of service within 12 months (average 17-18 hours per week) while receiving a living stipend via the federal AmeriCorps program. The total living stipend received over 12 months is $15,300 via biweekly payments of $586.45. Upon completion of the 900 hours of service, the member will be eligible to receive an Education Award of $3,697.50. The candidate will also gain access to myriad professional training & development in addition to networking and career exploration opportunities. Eligible applicants who apply will be referred on to the Salt Lake County point of contact for initial screening.

AmeriCorps Program Overview:

Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Salt Lake County's Most Vulnerable Populations AmeriCorps Program focuses on reducing systematic inequities. AmeriCorps service members help bridge the gap and reduce barriers for a variety of vulnerable populations including but not limited to; youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those involved in the Criminal Justice System. AmeriCorps is a voluntary civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors by engaging adults in public service work, with a goal of helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. "The program is often seen as the domestic Peace Corps."

IRC Background: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or throughout the U.S. Historically IRC resettles approximately 10,000 refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship. In Utah, the IRC opened its doors 1994 and has since grown to serve approximately 2,000 refugees annually through nearly 20 different programs.

Scope:  The Employment Navigator AmeriCorps service member will work alongside the Extended Case Management (ECM) and Intensive Case Management (ICM) teams to provide focused support for refugee and immigrant employable adults who face barriers to accessing and achieving employment that will ensure financial self-sufficiency for themselves and their household. The Employment Navigator will primarily work with adults to navigate employment resources, provide 1:1 technical assistance, produce resumes and other job application materials, and facilitate group learning with a focus on employment in Utah. Additionally, the service member will provide interview preparation support and offer first day of work success planning, including transit orientations, educating on workplace norms, and ensuring adults have necessary workplace supplies. Finally, the service member will research and engage potential employers alongside the ECM team as well as supporting community volunteers to expand employment services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide one-on-one support to refugee adults as they navigate employment, including program intake, job searches, resume building, skills checks, and service referrals.
• Facilitate classroom-based learning for employable adults, including expansion of existing materials and working with an interpreter to ensure understanding of materials.
• Collaborate with caseworkers and other team members to ensure effective case management.
• Conduct transit orientations for individuals learning to navigate public transit as a means of maintaining employment.
• Research, plan and execute engagement of employer partners with potential to expand existing network of employers friendly to refugee adults.
• Oversee relevant community volunteers support program delivery, as relevant.
• Meet expectations of the AmeriCorps service opportunity in compliance with all federal rules.
• Participate in all relevant team meetings, staff meetings, and AmeriCorps trainings and calls, etc.
• Support general office logistics, such as office support and front desk, as applicable and feasible.
• Maintain professionalism, customer service, and IRC Way ideals when working with the community.
• Other reasonable tasks and projects as assigned.

Learning Objectives:

Develop a unique understanding of the complex barriers and solutions to employment access for refugee adults in Utah. Expand knowledge of employer networks in Utah, including development of materials to engage and sustain employer partnerships. Improve one-on-one instructional tactics and strategies while deepening understanding classroom-based facilitation. Improve understanding of tactics and strategies of a job seeker navigating current employment market conditions, especially for those with low or no English skills.

Key working relationships:

Position Report to: Ahmed Fateh, Casework Program Manager

Position directly supervises: Community volunteers, as relevant.

Job Requirements:

• Clear criminal background checks.
• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• A valid drivers’ license and access to a reliable vehicle.
• Must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident.
• Commitment to the term of service.

Education OR Work Experience: Preference will be given to those with work or academic experience in the subject matter area noted in the position.

Language Skills: Fluent in English, both spoken and written. Other language skills a plus but not necessary.

Preferred Availability: Position requires weekday day-time availability between the hours of 9am and 5pm. Some evenings may be available to fulfill a portion of the service hours. There are critical meetings each Monday morning from 10am to 1pm that must be attended each week. This role is in-person with limited opportunity for virtual/remote work.

Demonstrated Skills & Competencies:

• Understanding of Utah’s employment landscape and job readiness skills
• Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time.
• Excellent computer skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong ability to work independently with minimal direction.
• Ability to communicate effectively and work as a team member in a diverse, cross-cultural environment.
• Strong interest in international and refugee issues or strong interest to learn.
• Lived experience of the communities served a plus.

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.

PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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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 $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 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. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.