Employment Specialist

This job posting was opened on 4/03/25. Please note that we will be prioritizing candidates who are current IRC (and recently employed by IRC) staff before other applicants. If necessary, we will extend the opportunity to external candidates.

Background:Through 29 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC helps refugees resettle and become self-sufficient. The IRC has been resettling refugees in Sacramento, California, for over 30 years, providing reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees. The office resettles over 1,000 refugees per year and provides numerous supplemental programs to assist refugees and IRC clients from their arrival and beyond.

Job Overview: The Employment Specialist guides, prepares, and empowers newly arrived refugees 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, place 56% of assigned clients in full time jobs, career enhancement services and follow-up services. This position also works within a team to maintain and nurture existing employer relationships. This position reports to the Employment Supervisor.

Responsibilities:

Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• Providing comprehensive intake, assessment, orientation, and pre-employment/job readiness classes to clients eligible for employment services.
• Providing job counseling and case management support to newly arrived refugees.
• Conducting group and one-on-one job readiness courses that provide clients with the basic skills required to enhance their employability, such ascultural and workplace orientation, mock interviews, creation of resumes, and job skills development sessions.
• Identifying client direct assistance needs and ensuring assistance requests are in compliance with funder guidelines.
• Developing comprehensive employment plans for each employable adult.
• Keeping accurate digital and physical attendance, assessment, and service provision records.
• Developing and cultivating long term relationships with area employers in order to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients.
• Determining specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assisting clients in accessing these opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process.
• Monitoring client job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction.
• Assisting clients and employers as necessary with post placement issues and continuing employment needs.
• Ensuring timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements, including database management, case noting, and file maintenance.
• Maintaining strong referral partner relationships including timely and accurate updating of client referrals and potential program enrollment
• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC Sacramento.
• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements:

• Bilingual in Ukrainian, Russian, Dari, or Pashto, Spanish preferred.
• Bachelor's degree in social work or related field of study; or equivalent work experience preferred.
• Supervisory or mentoring experience desired.
• Demonstrated experience with the US job search process and the ability to effectively coach clients through the nuanced process of securing employment.
• Previous experience supporting clients in understanding and adhering to social service program requirements in a tactful, encouraging manner.
• Ability to accurately document program data requirements in a variety of tracking tools (e.g., databases, spreadsheets, etc.) in a timely manner.
• Familiarity with the Sacramento job market strongly preferred.
• Ability to work as part of a team and to oversee volunteers and interns.
• Proven success achieving goals and working effectively with all levels of staff in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• Proven ability to contribute both independently and as a key team member.
• Self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in another language is desired.
• 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 IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Working Environment:

• A combination of standard office environment and 'field' time in and around the service delivery area.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to:Economic Empowerment Manager
Position directly supervises:

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal:IRC Employees, clients, interns, volunteers
External: Current and potential client employers

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 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.

#LI-DNI