Employment Specialist

Job Overview: Under the supervision of the Youth Programs Coordinator, the Employment Specialist will work together with the larger Youth and Economic Empowerment Team through an integrated approach to help refugees and other under-served populations to thrive financially in the U.S. The Employment Specialist will be responsible for managing employer relations and ensuring job placements in the San Jose WIOA youth programs, while working closely with other employment programs in our office.

Major Responsibilities:

· 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 search activity to ensure that clients make sufficient contact with employers and are complying with Employment Services Program policies.
• 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.
• Provide intake, assessment and pre-employment/job readiness orientation to clients eligible for employment services.

· Provide case management and 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 duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Youth Programs Coordinator
Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: WIOA***,*** Matching Grant Program, CareerLink program, County Program, community partners in financial and economic empowerment programs.

External: Community partners in housing organizations, as well as financial and economic empowerment programs.

Job Requirements:

· Undergraduate degree, ideally in Social Work or an equivalent field of study. Comparable related work experience may be substituted.

· Demonstrated work experience (in addition to the above) in human services field, preferably in a non-profit or social services agency environment. Experience should include a minimum of 2 years providing direct services 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 language other than English 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).

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires new hires to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for any in-office or hybrid positions. All IRC US offices require full vaccination to attend any in-office functions (e.g., meetings, trainings).

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: 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.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.