IRC Background: Through 25 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC helps refugees resettle and become self-sufficient. The IRC has been resettling refugees in Turlock, California, for over 30 years, providing reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees.
Job Overview: The Matching Grant (MG) Program Specialist guides, prepares, and empowers newly arrived refugees to rapidly achieve financial self-sufficiency through employment by the 120th day, or at the latest the 180th day, in the United States. The MG Program Specialist is responsible for managing a dynamic caseload, documenting service provision, working collaboratively with the Job Developer & Caseworkers, and meeting all performance goals. Specifically, the MG Program Specialist provides services including the review of client’s pre-arrival information, scheduling assessments, evaluating suitability, overseeing case and program budgets, collaborating with R&P Caseworkers, and managing program reporting. As for direct services, the MG Program Specialist delivers intensive employment preparation, job readiness training, placement support, career enhancement services and follow-up services. This position also works within a team to maintain and nurture existing employer relationships. This position reports to the Employment Coordinator.
Responsibilities:
Case Management:
•Coordinate MG services to a caseload of clients, while coordinating with the R&P MG staff, to ensure streamlined service provision and accurate client accounting;
•Provide comprehensive intake, assessment, orientation, and job readiness classes to MG clients;
•Provide job counseling and case management for clients to achieve rapid employment.
•Ensure group and one-on-one job readiness courses are provided to clients, teaching basic skills required to enhance their employability, such as cultural and workplace orientation, mock interviews, creation of resumes, and job skills development sessions;
•Develop comprehensive service plans, with a focus on employment for each employable adult and wraparound services for all case members, including ESL and childcare when appropriate;
•Determine specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assisting clients in accessing these opportunities by guiding them through the application, interview and hiring process;
•Monitor client job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction;
•Assist clients and employers with post-placement concerns and needs;
•Develop and cultivate long term relationships with area employers in order to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients;
•Coordinate training programs to assist with career development opportunities;
•Conduct afterhours, skill development workshops for clients with the support of 1-Day volunteers, as needed;
•Coordinate with IRC Volunteer & Donations staff for group workshops, intern and volunteer recruitment and supervision, and distribution of Cash-In-Kind donations.
Program Performance and Reporting:
•Lead and collaborating daily with key Resettlement MG staff to ensure seamless service delivery, case coordination, appropriate financial distributions and timely services to MG cases;
•Keep accurate digital and physical attendance, assessment, and, service provision records;
•Ensure timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements, including database management, case noting, and file maintenance;
•Strategize and adjust direct assistance allocations per FY and, as needed, per case;
•Communicate with IRC HQ MG program staff regarding enrollment allocation, numbers, and issues;
•Monitor and prepare the Direct Assistance budget, vouchers, and financial reports;
•Supervise and assist program interns and volunteers;
•Other duties as assigned.
