Career Development Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to humanitarian crises globally, helping individuals regain control of their futures. The Career Development Specialist will assist refugees and immigrants in achieving economic self-sufficiency by creating career development plans and providing job coaching and support.

Responsibilities

• Conduct pre-enrollment assessments with potential participants, build career development plans with strategic direction, detailing concrete and realistic activities, and provide ongoing case management
• Provide one-on-one assistance to help clients prepare their resumes, search for appropriate job opportunities, and practice interview skills
• Provide individual mentorship on resume writing, interview preparation, job search techniques, and other skills related to career advancement
• Ensure the delivery of group coaching and instruction of advanced work readiness and other employability skills
• Support clients in identifying, enrolling, and completing vocational training activities such as certification attainment, apprenticeships, and paid/unpaid work experience
• Assist participants with networking and provide job application review
• Accompany clients to job preparation activities, interviews, and job site tours. Coach clients, so they can attend these events independently in the future
• Collaborate to provide comprehensive strength-based services to IRC clients through effective communication between team members and departments
• Advocate for clients’ rights in the labor market by providing references and meeting with employers to educate them about the benefits of hiring refugees, asylees, and immigrants
• Assist with the creation of program informational packets as well as marketing materials and presentations
• Ensure timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements
• Conduct outreach to clients eligible to enroll in career development programming through a variety of channels
• Develop and cultivate relationships with employers who offer suitable job opportunities for clients with a special focus on apprenticeship options
• Assist clients and employers with post-placement issues and continuing career development needs
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

• Undergraduate degree or relevant work experience
• Interest in working in social services, employment, workforce programming, client counseling, or related area; at least one year experience preferred
• Ability to work with adult learners from a variety of cultural and linguistic groups and with multiple levels of English language skill required
• Work or volunteer experience with refugee and immigrant populations and understanding of local refugee and immigrant communities desired
• Knowledge of workplace safety practices and willingness to learn industry-specific practices
• Able to think creatively and strategically to overcome barriers
• Excellent verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
• Highly organized, attentive to detail, responsible, and flexible. Able to maintain responsibility for multiple tasks in the context of a fast-paced work environment, and maintain composure under pressure
• Fluency in MS Office applications and database experience required
• Willingness to work some evenings and/or weekends on a regular basis
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written
• At least one year experience preferred
• Work or volunteer experience with refugee and immigrant populations and understanding of local refugee and immigrant communities desired
• Multi-lingual ability preferred. Preferably in Spanish, French, Arabic, Dari, Farsi and/or Pashto

Benefits

• U.S.‑based short‑term employees are eligible for a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting)
• Paid sick leave in accordance with policy
• Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which provides confidential counseling and mental health support for employees and their families
• 10 sick days
• 10 US holidays
• 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
• Medical insurance starting at $163 per month
• Dental starting at $6.50 per month
• Vision starting at $5 per month
• FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
• A 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
• Disability & life insurance
• 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

Company Overview

Company H1B Sponsorship