Career Development Program Coordinator

Job Description

IRC Background

The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has a presence in over 40 countries and 27 offices in the United States; the IRC leads the way from harm to home. IRC opened an office in Seattle in 1976 and provides a continuum of services including intensive case management, employment and economic empowerment services, immigration assistance, health and wellness programming, and education support to refugee and immigrant families in Washington State. IRC Seattle is committed to providing trauma-informed, equitable, and accessible services and maintaining and evolving a diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace.

Job Overview

The Career Development Program Coordinator is responsible for effectively coordinating and administering required services to participants enrolled in career development programming. Under the supervision of the Economic Empowerment Program Manager, the Career Development Program Coordinator will work closely with employers, community organizations, volunteers and interns, and other IRC staff to develop and facilitate employment programming for enrolled clients. The position will also assist in program compliance and outcomes. Responsibilities also include community engagement and outreach to build long-term partnerships with other community-based organizations, local colleges, and employers, as well as grant writing and development activities aimed at growing career development programming. Additionally, the position will involve recruiting and training program interns and volunteers.

Major Responsibilities

· Serve as primary administrator for grants and contracts that support career development programming

· Develop contextualized work readiness training and bridge programming for refugee job seekers in career development programs

· Provide intensive one-on-one case management services to clients looking to develop a career pathway, discerning their long-term career goals, detailing a step-by-step plan for its achievement, and providing hands-on assistance with various steps as needed

· Serve as point person and career development program representative for collaboration and correspondence with stakeholders including partner agencies, educational institutions, employer partners, and donors

· Develop monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to funders as required by grants

· Identify career opportunities for program participants, including outreach to local employers and networking with targeted industries

· Design new Career Development initiatives to help clients obtain vocational training and other goals

· Manage grant budgets to ensure appropriate spend-down of direct service funds and other key line items

· Assist Program Manager in identifying and pursuing funding opportunities to maintain and further augment career development programming

· Research and document career advancement, professional certification and recertification, and other vocational education opportunities as needed for effective case management

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files documenting client goals, activities, and services received

· Work closely with IRC Economic Empowerment Team to integrate career development activities within complimentary services

· Support the Program Manager in defining and tracking quantifiable measurements to assess project effectiveness

· Engage with local and national agencies that offer vocational education, recertification, or educational equivalency services in support of project objectives

· Attend regularly scheduled meetings with other IRC staff and volunteers as part of the review, evaluation, and program maintenance process

· Assess eligibility and connect program participants to resources and other services within IRC and in the community

· Assist in the planning and coordination of classroom activities when necessary

· Other duties as assigned

Key Working Relationships

Position Reports to: Economic Empowerment Program Manager

Other Internal and/or external contacts

· Internal: Economic Empowerment Team, Resettlement Team, All IRC Seattle Program Teams, Volunteer Coordinator, employment volunteers

· External: Skilled Immigrant and Refugees Engagement Network (“SIREN”), Workforce Development Council, YWCA, area colleges, libraries, city and county governments, funders, and employers

Qualifications

Job Requirements

· Education: Relevant degree or equivalent professional and/or lived experience

· Work Experience: Minimum 2-4 yrs. progressive work experience with social service; demonstrated experience working with refugees, asylees, victims of human trafficking, and/or immigrant populations desired

· Experience working with non-native speakers of varying levels and backgrounds required

· Experience in an advising capacity assisting people in determining career and/or educational pathways desired

· Demonstrated experience implementing career development, employment, and/or related programming

· Strong written and oral and interpersonal communication skills: the ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and partners in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment, and the ability to present to a varied public required

· Demonstrated Skills and Competencies: Solid diplomatic and networking skills; the ability to effectively manage a variety of internal and external relationships required

· Proven people management and leadership skills: the ability to lead staff and promote productivity in a supportive work environment required

· Solid organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple tasks, set priorities, effectively manage time, and meet deadlines required

· Excellent interpersonal skills: the ability to work effectively with partners and colleagues in a cross-cultural, multi-disciplinary environment required

· Familiarity with the greater Seattle area (with special regard to employers, educational institutions and public transportation) desired

· Microsoft Office suite required

· Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learning required

· Language Skills: Fluency in spoken and written English; Fluency in an additional language relevant to current refugee populations desired

Working Environment

· Standard, professional office environment (flexible remote and in-office)

· Access to a reliable vehicle to travel regularly throughout the service delivery are

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 candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

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.