Employment Specialist

The Employment Specialist is responsible for managing the provision of services to assist newly arrived refugee clients to attain self sufficiency through employment. Specifically, the Employment Specialist provides services that include employer and market development, employment search, client and employer preparation, job placement, career enhancement, job training and assessment and follow-up, and enrollment assistance with Arizona Unemployment Insurance benefits. They are also charged with maintaining accurate and timely data collection for employment services and reporting on program deliverables.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

•Providing intake, assessment, and pre-employment/job readiness orientation to clients eligible for employment services.

•Developing comprehensive employment plans for each employable adult.

•Providing both group and one-on-one intense job readiness orientations that provide clients with the basic skills required to enhance their employability.

•Developing and cultivating long term relationships with area employers in order to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients.

•Determining specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assisting clients in accessing these opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process.

•Monitoring job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction.

•Assisting clients and employers as necessary with post placement issues and continuing employment needs.

•Preparing Employment Program vouchers.

•Assisting clients with applying for Unemployment Insurance benefits and filing weekly claims.

•Ensuring timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements.

•Participating in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engaging as a member of the team.

•Comply with all IRC policies, procedures and protocols including adherence to the IRC Way and Child Safeguarding.

•Other related duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Economic Empowerment Unit Manager

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: IRC staff, interns and volunteers

External:Community partners, employers

Job Requirements:

Education:

•Undergraduate degree in related field preferred.

Work Experience:

•At least two years of related experience in case management, employment, job placement and/or business.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

•Demonstrated experience with the US job search process and the ability to coach clients effectively through the nuanced process of securing employment.

•Knowledge of the Tucson job market strongly preferred.

•Lived experience as refugee or immigrant. In lieu of lived experience, experience working with refugees and/or immigrants; cross-cultural or overseas experience accepted.

•Computer proficiency with an emphasis on Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook).

•Highly organized self-starter with proven success prioritizing multiple tasks, making critical decisions, and delivering results in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines

•Strong attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.

•Flexibility with demonstrated ability to maintain responsibility for multiple tasks in the context of a diverse, fast-paced work environment.

•Proven success achieving goals and working effectively with all levels of staff in a multicultural environment.

•Strategic, creative, problem solver capable of working well independently and as a part of a team.

Language Skills:

•Fluency in written and spoken English, bilingual ability preferred in Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, French or other refugee/immigrant language used in Arizona. Cross-cultural understanding and strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Certificates or Licenses:

•Must have a valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, access to reliable transportation and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area for home visits.

•In accordance with Arizona State Law, must possess or be eligible to receive a fingerprint clearance card.

Working Environment:

•A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.

•Work outside of traditional office hours may be required periodically with occasional weekend and/or evening work.

•Must be able to lift 35 to 50 pounds (furniture, household supplies, and food boxes).

Benefits:

We offer our employees phenomenal benefits such as paid parental leave, generous time off, and excellent medical, dental, and vision options.

IRC- leading the way from harm to home

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.