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 helps newly arrived refugee clients achieve self-sufficiency through employment. This role delivers job readiness services, career coaching, and employer connections while supporting clients through the application and placement process. The Specialist maintains strong relationships with local employers, coordinates with other IRC staff, and ensures compliance with donor and program requirements.

Major Responsibilities:

• Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:
• 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

Job Requirements:  

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, workforce development, or related field strongly preferred; equivalent work experience may be considered.

Work Experience:

• At least 2 years of case management, employment, job placement, or business experience in a social services setting.
• Experience working with vulnerable or underserved populations strongly preferred.

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• 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.

Language Skills:

• Proficiency in English required; bilingual ability in Spanish, Dari, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, French, or other refugee/immigrant language preferred.

Certificates or Licenses:

• 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.

Working Environment:   

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities. 
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work. 
• Must be able to lift 35 to 50 pounds (furniture, household supplies, and food boxes). 

Compensation: ($20.97/hour). Compensation is 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

At the IRC, we seek to build a welcoming, inclusive environment not only for our refugee clients, but for all of our employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we value the strength found in the diversity of voices, experiences, and backgrounds who join us in our work. Fostering an inclusive culture with equitable practices is everyone's responsibility, and we regularly offer trainings and opportunities to learn more and find ways to do better. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, socioeconomic status, or disability status. We are dedicated to ensuring that disabled individuals 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. In your application, please feel free to indicate your preferred pronouns.

We recognize that few applicants may "check all the boxes," but that each person has their own unique strengths that they would bring to the table. In our commitment to building a diverse and authentic work culture, we invite you to apply anyway. You belong here.

Professional Standards: 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.

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Benefits: IRC offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Highlights include 10 paid sick leave, 10 U.S. holidays, 20-25 generous paid time off based on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163/month, dental starting at $6.50/month, and vision starting at $5/month, flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care, and commuter), 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), disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.

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.