Employment Specialist

Guide and empower clients to achieve employment and financial self-sufficiency.

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IRC - The International Rescue Committee

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Overview

Guide and empower clients to achieve employment and financial self-sufficiency.

You have:

  • Undergraduate degree in Social Work, social sciences, or related field of study; or equivalent work experience.
  • Minimum of two years of relevant work experience in human services field preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience with the US job search process and the ability to effectively coach clients through the nuanced process of securing employment.
  • Familiarity with the local job market strongly preferred.
  • Proven success achieving goals and working effectively with all levels of staff in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment.
  • Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
  • Excellent communication skills including fluency in English, both spoken and written, is required. Additional fluency in Spanish, Creole, or French is a plus.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and online databases.
  • Valid driver's license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the willingness to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

The Employment Specialist guides, prepares, and empowers employment program clients to achieve financial self-sufficiency through employment. The Employment Specialist is responsible for managing and documenting service provision, working collaboratively with team members, and meeting performance goals. Specifically, the Employment Specialist provides services that include employment preparation, job readiness training, placement support, career enhancement services and follow-up services. This position also works within a team to maintain and nurture existing employer relationships.

Length of assignment: until September 30, 2025; potential to extend.

Responsibilities:

Include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and cultivate long-term relationships with local employers in order to identify appropriate employment and work experience opportunities for clients.

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

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

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

• Conduct group and one-on-one job readiness courses that provide clients with the basic skills required to enhance their employability, such as cultural and workplace orientation, mock interviews, creation of resumes, and job skills development sessions.

• Keep accurate digital and physical attendance, assessment, and service provision records.

• Monitor client 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, cash assistance, and file maintenance.

• Develop and coordinate training programs to assist with career development opportunities.

• Supervise and assist program interns and volunteers.

• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Undergraduate degree in Social Work, social sciences, or related field of study; or equivalent work experience.

• Minimum of two years of relevant work experience in human services field preferred.

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

• Familiarity with the local job market strongly preferred;

• Proven success achieving goals and working effectively with all levels of staff in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment;

• Self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.

• Excellent communication skills including fluency in English, both spoken and written, is required. Additional fluency in Spanish, Creole, or French is a plus.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and online databases.

• Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the willingness to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.

Working Environment:

• Standard, professional office environment, including the current hybrid mode of remote work within San Diego County and required in-office days and some 'field' time within the service delivery area to perform the above-outlined responsibilities. Office working environment is subject to change based on organization/business needs.

• Requires work at both City Heights and El Cajon offices.

• May require occasional work during evenings or weekends.

• San Diego Office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5 pm.

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

US Benefits: We offer the following benefits to short term employees in the US: 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, sick leave, 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.

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Qualifications

Potential interview questions

How do you approach building relationships with local employers to create job opportunities? This question assesses your ability to network and collaborate with employers. Share specific strategies and experiences that show your relationship-building skills.
Describe your experience in conducting job readiness training. The interviewer wants to understand your practical skills in preparing clients for employment. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you explain how you would assist a client struggling with the job search process? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What methods do you use to assess a client's job readiness? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle post-placement issues for clients? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What experience do you have working in a multi-cultural environment? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you ensure compliance with reporting requirements in your work? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a time you successfully achieved a performance goal. What challenges did you face? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 11 months ago - Updated 11 months ago - Source: rescue.org