The Employment Specialist supports newly arrived refugee clients in achieving self-sufficiency through employment by delivering job readiness services, career coaching, and facilitating employer connections. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is committed to empowering refugees and displaced populations through comprehensive support and integration services.
What You'll Do
- Conduct intake and assessment for employment-eligible clients and develop individualized employment plans.
- Deliver job readiness orientations in both group and one-on-one settings, focusing on essential skills for employability.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with area employers to identify appropriate opportunities for clients.
- Match clients to employment opportunities and guide them through applications, interviews, and hiring processes.
- Monitor job placements, wages, and satisfaction of both clients and employers, providing post-placement support.
- Assist clients with Unemployment Insurance applications and weekly claims when applicable.
- Maintain accurate case notes and data entry in required systems; prepare employment vouchers and other documentation.
- Participate in program meetings, trainings, and professional development activities; follow all IRC policies including safeguarding and confidentiality standards.
- Perform other related duties as assigned
What We're Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, workforce development, or related field strongly preferred; equivalent work experience may be considered.
- At least 2 years of case management, employment, job placement, or business experience in a social services setting.
- Knowledge of U.S. job search process and ability to coach clients through securing employment.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills; detail-oriented.
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills; public speaking/presentation skills preferred.
- Proven ability to problem-solve, prioritize tasks, and meet goals independently or as part of a team.
- Proficiency in English required.
- Valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, and access to reliable transportation.
- Must possess or be eligible for a fingerprint clearance card per Arizona state law.
Nice to Have
- Experience working with vulnerable or underserved populations strongly preferred.
- Bilingual ability in Spanish, Dari, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, French, or other refugee/immigrant language preferred.
Technical Stack
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft Teams
Benefits & Compensation
- Combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area.
- May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
- Must be able to lift 35 to 50 pounds (furniture, household supplies, and food boxes).
Compensation: $20.16 - $20.16 per hour. 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.
Work Mode
A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area.
All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.
