Career Development Specialist

Under the supervision of the Career Development Coordinator, the Career Development Specialist will work together with the larger Economic Empowerment Team through an integrated approach to help refugees to thrive financially in the U.S.The goal for CareerLink Program is assisting refugee clients to move beyond entry-level jobs and gain employment in their professional field, with a focus on Hospitality, Healthcare, Finance, and Tech sectors. Specifically, the Specialist ensures career counseling, job search assistance, enrollment in post-secondary and certification programs, networking opportunities, and coordinating additional services tailored to individual client needs.

Major Responsibilities:

•Carry a caseload of 50 CareerLink Program clients per year, providing them with one-on-one career counseling; this includes service planning, goal setting, resource mapping, supporting job search activities, and referrals to employer contacts.

•Offer curricula and offerings for career sector tracks, and modify on an ongoing basis.

•Complete assessments to gauge client strengths, weaknesses, and proficiencies.

•Work with skilled volunteers, community members, and employer contacts to train clients through workshops and trainings on topics such as professional speaking, email correspondence, and interviewing.

•Ensure the development and delivery of trainings in U.S. business culture for clients in both tracks.

•Document client participation and progress, adhering to grant requirements.

•Ensure accurate and timely reporting of career development services data to donors and all relevant parties

•Participate in all-staff/ program meetings.

•Other related duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

•Undergraduate degree; ideally in Social Work or an equivalent field of study; comparable related work experience may be substituted.

•Demonstrated relevant work experience (in addition to the above) in human services field; preferably in a non-profit or social services agency environment; Experience should include providing direct service to underserved communities. Prior experience working with refugee populations preferred.

•Experience in a non-profit or social services setting is an advantage.

•Attention to detail and ability to organize and track large amounts of information efficiently and accurately

•Familiarity with or association with employers and vocational training programs in San Jose highly desirable.

•Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

•Strong computer skills, particularly Word and Excel.

•Ability to work independently, be a self-starter and maintain responsibility for multiple tasks.

•Proficiency in a refugee language such as Dari, Farsi, Pashto, Tigrinya or Arabic is an asset.

•Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

Working Environment:

•Standard office work environment coupled with regular travel in and around the service delivery area.

•Reoccurring need to provide services outside of traditional work hours (evenings and weekends).

IRC- leading the way from harm to home

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