Employment Specialist

Oakland

Organization: IRC - International Rescue Committee
Location: Oakland
Grade: Mid level - Mid level
Occupational Groups:
- Labour Market Policy
- Employment
Closing Date: Closed

Requisition ID: req7666

Job Title: Employment Specialist

Sector: Employment

Employment Category: Fixed Term

Employment Type: Part-Time

Open to Expatriates: No

Location: Oakland, CA USA

Job Description

The Employment Specialist is a part-time position that will support the Economic Empowerment (EE) department in case management, job placement assistance, and ensuring that clients are accessing the full range of supportive services available to them. The IRC in Oakland’s Economic Empowerment department provides early employment, financial coaching and career development services to ensure clients achieve self-sufficiency and economic independence.

The Employment Specialist will support clients by conducting initial employment assessments and developing corresponding service plans to meet their employment and self-sufficiency goals. The Employment Specialist will work in coordination with the EE team to ensure clients are accessing job readiness training, receiving 1:1 job counselling, and employment retention services. Additionally, the Employment Specialist will ensure clients are referred to financial coaching services in a timely manner.

This is a short-term position and is expected to end on April 30, 2020.

Major Responsibilities:

Employment Services:

Provide intake, assessment, and program orientation to clients eligible for employment services.
Develop comprehensive employment plans for each employable adult.

Provide job readiness and job search coaching to clients preparing them for the US job market.
Provide transportation assistance to job interviews as needed.
Assist clients and employers as necessary with post-placement issues and continuing employment needs.
Support with developing and maintaining employer partnerships as needed.
Train and supervise program interns/volunteers.

Compliance Documentation:

Monitor and track client job performance and wage levels.
Ensure timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements, including database management, case noting, and file maintenance.

Team/Office Participation:

Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and other duties as assigned.
Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive strength-based services to IRC clients through coordination of cases and effective communication between team members and departments.
Comply with all policies, procedures and protocols of the agency.
Training and providing guidance to volunteers recruited to support IRC’s mission.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree preferred; equivalent work experience may be substituted

At least 2years of related professional experience, preferred

Minimum of 1 year of experience with direct client services and/or case management, preferred

Understanding of local job market and growth industries desired

Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage pressure well

Strong understanding of case management principles

Experience with job placement and job readiness training a plus

Experience managing volunteers and interns preferred

Experience working with refugees and/or low income populations preferred

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

Strong ability to develop and maintain external partnerships

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Fluency in written and spoken English; fluency in additional language relevant to current refugee populations preferred (Arabic, Farsi, Dari, Karen, Burmese, Tigrinya, Amharic)

Working Environment: