Career Pathways Specialist

Job Description

Job Overview/Summary: The Career Pathways program promotes economic self-sufficiency for refugees and immigrants with barriers to achieving their career goals by connecting them with trainings and resources to enable them to move out of low-wage jobs and onto sustainable career paths. The Career Pathways Specialist will work individually with clients to assess their eligibility and readiness for the program, create career development plans, schedule career development activities, prepare job applications, and obtain successful job placements. Since program participants often face barriers to entry into and completion of career development programming, the Career Pathways Specialist will provide supportive services for program participants. The needs of participants are dynamic, requiring flexibility, patience, and determination.

Major Responsibilities:

I. Case Management/Job Coaching and Support

· Conduct pre-enrollment assessments with potential participants, build career development plans with strategic direction, detailing actionable and realistic activities, and provide ongoing case management

· Provide one-on-one assistance to help clients prepare their resumes during training period, look for appropriate job opportunities, and practice interview skills

· Provide individual mentorship on resume writing, interview preparation, job search techniques, and other skills related to career advancement

· Ensure the delivery of group coaching and instruction in advanced work readiness and other employability skills

· Assist participants with networking and help with job application review

· Accompany clients to job preparation activities, interviews, and job site tours, coaching clients so they can attend these events independently in the future

· Collaborate to provide comprehensive strength-based services to IRC clients through effective communication between team members and departments

· Advocate for clients’ rights in the labor market by providing references and meeting with employers to educate them about the benefits of hiring refugees, asylees, and immigrants

III. Program Administration

· Assist with creation of career pathway informational packets as well as marketing materials and presentations

· Ensure timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements: document services provided and client outcomes in relevant case management databases; monitor and track client job performance and wage level; maintain accurate and up-to-date case files documenting client goals, activities, and services, and assist with grant applications and final reporting

IV. Community Outreach/Engagement

· Seek out and engage local community partners for participant referrals and conduct regular outreach to education providers to identify and secure workforce training for participants

· Conduct outreach to clients eligible to enroll into career development programming through a variety of channels

· Collaborate with education and training partners to develop and implement new career pathways

· Develop and cultivate relationships with employers who offer suitable job opportunities for clients with special focus on apprenticeship options

· Assist clients and employers as necessary with post-placement issues and continuing career development needs

· Other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

· Undergraduate degree preferred

· Minimum 1 year of professional experience working in social services, employment, workforce programming, client counseling, or related area; at least three years preferred.

· Experience working with adult learners from a variety of cultural and linguistic groups and with multiple levels of English language skill required; work or volunteer experience with refugee and immigrant populations and understanding of Abilene’s refugee and immigrant communities desired

· Knowledge of workplace safety practices and willingness to learn industry-specific practices

· Able to think creatively and strategically to overcome barriers

· Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

· Highly organized, attentive to detail, responsible, and flexible: able to maintain responsibility for multiple tasks in the context of a diverse, fast-paced work environment, and maintain composure under pressure

· Fluent in MS Office applications and database experience required

· Basic graphic design skills preferred

· Willingness to work some evenings and/or weekends on a regular basis

· Fluency in a second language preferred; specifically Swahili, Kirundi, and/or French

Working Environment:

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

· May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

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. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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