Employment Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

The Employment Specialist assists newly arrived refugees and other qualified immigrants to attain financial self-sufficiency through employment by guiding them through employment preparation, coordinating job placements, and other career advancement services.

Major Responsibilities

•    Conduct intake, assessment and provide program orientation to clients eligible for employment services.  
•    Provide job readiness training and individualized career coaching to employment eligible clients.
•    Connect clients with job opportunities by assisting in the job search, resume writing, job applications, interview preparation, and onboarding paperwork.  
•    Assist clients and employers as necessary with post-placement issues and continuing employment needs.
•    Develop and cultivate long-term relationships with employers and staffing agencies to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients.
•    Monitor client job performance, wage levels, and related metrics.
•    Detail each client interaction in accordance with program requirements. Input client information in database(s) and assist with tracking and reporting as needed.
•    Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations. Build and maintain relationships with area service providers for the benefit of clients.
•    Use personal, insured vehicle and/or public transportation (where available) to travel and transport clients and materials as needed throughout the service delivery area.
•    May train and lead the activities of support staff, volunteers, and interns.
•    Other duties as assigned.

Key Working Relationships

Position Reports to: Economic Empowerment Manager 

Job Requirements

•    High school diploma required; bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field, preferred.
•    At least one year of relevant experience required; experience in refugee resettlement and/or employment services, preferred.
•    Fluency in English with strong verbal and written communication skills, required.
•    Proficiency in one or more languages spoken by IRC Louisville clients, preferred. Major client languages include Arabic, Burmese, Kinyarwanda, Spanish, Swahili, and Somali. 
•    Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
•    Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
•    Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to prioritize and manage time effectively.
•    Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
•    Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research, and problem-solving purposes.
•    Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.
•    US work authorization required.

Working Environment
•    A combination of standard office environment and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities.
•    Position hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm.
•    May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Compensation: (Pay Range: $21.00 - $23.00) 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.

Standard of Professional Conduct: The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

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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 $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 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. 

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.