Job Development Specialist

Job Description

Job Summary****:

The Job Development Specialist is primarily responsible for the development and coordination of partnerships with employers throughout the valley, and matches employer needs to the skills and interests of employable clients. The scope of work involves the establishment and maintenance of working relationships with area employers, industry and labor organizations, and other community partners to secure sustainable employment for clients. The Job Development Specialist reviews employment trends in Phoenix and will be tasked with growing the number of employers partnered with the IRC, the diversity of industries, and types of jobs available to clients of varying skill levels. The Job Development Specialist will coordinate outreach with the resettlement and employment teams, as well as the Housing Supervisor and Community Outreach Specialist to develop appropriate employment and work training opportunities near public transportation, affordable housing, and community support throughout the valley.

Major Responsibilities****:

· Outreach to local employers to secure sustainable employment opportunities for all employable clients, across all IRC in Phoenix programming.

· Research local and national employment trends and develop new employment possibilities for clients with all skill levels.

· Networking with other IRC field offices to identify national employer partnerships with local job opportunities; concurrently, share any new national partnerships across the IRC network.

· Follow up with all interested employers who are referred to the IRC in Phoenix. Provide Refugee 101 trainings, as needed.

· Share available opportunities and coordinate with Employment Specialists to identify the best candidate for each opportunity; support Employment Specialists, in application, interview, and placement process.

· Serve as a liaison between employers and Employment Specialists and Case Workers to troubleshoot any client or employer concerns or barriers; follow up on all job placements and performance, with the employer, Employment Specialist, and client.

· Develop pathways to job growth.

· Conduct regular community outreach to publicize IRC’s employment program, in-kind donation needs, and fundraising.

· Participate in community wide employment councils and networks, as well as the workforce development board.

· Participate in regular direct service team meetings to discuss client barriers to self sufficiency.

· Assist with employment staff coordination and coverage on issues including intake, orientations, applications, interviews, and job acceptance procedures.

· Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a member of the team

· Other office duties as assigned

Key Working Relationships:

Position Report: Employment Supervisor Position Directly Supervises: Interns/Volunteers

Other Internal and/or external contacts

Internal: Coordination with all internal departments is required

External: Local employers, workforce development boards, DES, social service partners, community and stakeholder partners, religious and faith-based communities.

Job Requirements

· 1-2 years’ experience in workforce development and an understanding of local employment trends.

· Undergraduate degree in workforce development, social work, or related field or equivalent work experience preferred, but not required.

· 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 with lived experience as refugee or immigrant or in lieu of lived experience, experience working with refugees and/or immigrants or experience working cross-culturally

· Ability to prepare timely reports and accurate documentation of all client and employer interactions and services provided.

· Computer proficiency with an emphasis on Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook). Experience in web-based data entry systems and databases strongly preferred.

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

· Must possess or be eligible to receive a fingerprint clearance card.

· Valid driver’s license, reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area (home, community partner, service provider visits etc.).

Working Environment:

· Current hybrid in-office and remote work

· A combination of standard office work environment and regular travel within the service delivery area.

· Night and weekend work, as needed.

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: IRC is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity at our organization. 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.

IRC- leading the way from harm to home

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

Please apply at http://www.rescue.org/careers

#LI_GR1

Qualifications