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.Job Overview:The Employment Specialist is responsible for effectively administering services aimed at attaining self-sufficiency through employment for refugees and immigrants who are new to the U.S. Under the supervision of the Economic Wellbeing Program Manager, the Employment Specialist provides employment services to program participants and works closely with employers, community organizations, service providers, and other IRC staff to facilitate job readiness and job placement among program participants. The position is also responsible for documenting employment activities and outcomes and supporting program compliance. The Employment Specialist will predominantly be working under the Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Pathways grant, which is a state funded employment program.Major Responsibilities:Case Management ServicesProvide employment-focused case management to program participantsFacilitate intake, assessment, and pre-employment orientation for individuals eligible for IRC employment servicesDevelop comprehensive employment and self-sufficiency plans for each employable adult and service plans for family members.Provide relevant referrals for other resources to clients.Provide both group and one-on-one intense job readiness workshops that provide program participants with basic skills required to support employability in the U.S.Communicate effectively with DSHS Case Management staff.Identify specific employment opportunities appropriate for individual participants and assist participants in pursuing these opportunities by guiding them through the application, interview, and hiring process.Maintain detailed and timely case notes and documentation throughout the service period.Monitor and document job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction post job placement for reporting and compliance purposes.Complete 6 & 12 month check in's with program participants.Enroll clients in IRC provided classes and trainings.Employer RelationsDevelop and cultivate strong relationships with area employers in order to develop and identify appropriate employment opportunities for program participants.Actively seek out new employers to become employer partners.Provide participants and employers with post-placement support, as needed.Compliance DocumentationMonitor and track participant job performance and wage levels as required by program fundingGather required documentation and data for case files throughout service period and to support case closeout proceduresEnsure timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements, including database management, case noting, and file maintenanceTeam/Office ParticipationWork as part of a team to provide comprehensive, strength-based services to IRC participants through coordination of cases and effective communication between team members and departmentsParticipate in all program meetings, and staff development and wellness activitiesComply with all policies, procedures, and protocols of the agencyOther duties as assignedKey Working Relationships:Position Reports to:

Economic Wellbeing Program ManagerIndirect Reporting:

Resettlement ManagerOther Internal and/or external contacts:Internal

: IRC Spokane Resettlement team,IRC Spokane Economic Wellbeing team, other IRC Spokane program teamsExternal

: DSHS Caseworkers,Local employers, WA Office of Refugee & Immigrant Assistance (ORIA), LEP Pathway contractors

Job Requirements:Relevant degree or equivalent professional or lived experienceKnowledge about the U.S. job search, interview, placement, and work experience.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.Professional proficiency in English, both spoken and written.Highly organized and capable of keeping up with administrative requirements.Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook)Commitment to anti-racism and ongoing learningPreferred:Lived experience as a refugee or immigrant is preferredBilingual ability in a language spoken by the local refugee population strongly preferred(including Arabic, Spanish, Swahili, Dari, Pashto, Ukrainian, Russian, Burmese, Vietnamese or Tigrinya).Strong connection and relationship with local client community members.Previous experience in employment services programming.Working Environment

:Standard, professional office environment (flexible remote and in-office)May require occasional weekend and/or evening workCompensation:

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:

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.US Benefits:

The IRC offers a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. All US employees are eligible for sick time, a 403b retirement savings plans: up to 4.5% immediately vested matching contribution, plus an 3-7% additional IRC contribution, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support in times of crisis and mental health struggles.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.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.