Refugee Employment Specialist

BACKGROUND

Since 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has developed unparalleled expertise in responding to emergencies and helping uprooted communities to rebuild. Foundedat the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers life-saving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster.

The International Rescue Committee UK is part of the IRC global network, which is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through over 20 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC also helps refugees resettle in the US and become self-sufficient.

The IRC is committed to a culture of bold leadership, innovation in all aspects of our work, creative partnerships and, most crucially, accountability to those we serve. The IRC is a tireless advocate for the most vulnerable.

IRC UK

IRC UK were established in London in 1997 to support the organisation’s global activities and particularly to diversify its donor base and be able to better advocate with European policy-makers on behalf of the people we serve. Since its establishment IRC UK has grown rapidly and is now acknowledged for its high-quality project management, technical expertise in governance and rights and economic recovery, and innovative thinking on early recovery and gender-based violence. IRC UK comprises approximately 150 staff. The IRC UK recently launched its first programme in the UK, working in partnership with local councils, to provide integration support to resettled refugees in Southeast England.

The Purpose of the Role

The Refugee Employment Specialist will serve as a coach to refugee clients enrolled in the Resettlement Integration in Southeast England (RISE) program with the goal to support refugees in attaining self-reliance through employment. The Refugee Employment Specialist provides services that include employment preparation, placement, career enhancement services and follow-up services.  

Key Working Relationships:

Position reports to Senior Integration Officer. Position works closely with the Senior Integration Specialist, RISE Project Manager and Integration Officers.

Key Accountabilities

• Provide job counseling and case management support to refugees.
• Provide intake, assessment, orientation, and pre-employment/job readiness classes to clients eligible for employment services.
• Develop comprehensive employment plans for each employable adult.
• Provide both group and one-on-one intense job readiness orientations that provide clients with the basic skills required to enhance their employability.
• Develop and cultivate long-term relationships with area employers to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients.
• Determine specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assist clients in accessing these opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process.
• Monitor job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction.
• Assist clients and employers as necessary with post-placement issues and continuing employment needs.
• Ensure timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements, including database management, case noting, and file maintenance.
• Effectively collaborate with external partner organizations and internal coworkers.