POSITION SUMMARY:
Are you a person of compassion? An advocate for justice? Someone who stands up for the rights of the vulnerable and speaks out for the marginalized, the exploited and the forgotten? Do you believe in our calling as Christians to welcome the least of these and love our neighbor?
If you answered ‘yes’, to any of the above, World Relief, and millions of people around the world need you.
The Employment Counselor position will provide critical supportive services and counsel to Refugees and Immigrants as they search for initial employment. This position assists clients through employment counseling that includes resume, application, and interview preparation assistance, and utilizing employer connections to facilitate job placements. The Employment Counselor will also assist in maintaining and expanding an employer network.
Role & Responsibilities
- Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
- Provide employment counseling to clients that may include individual meetings, informing about job prospects, following up on job leads, and coordinating interview scheduling.
- Provide direct assistance with resumes, applications, interviews, job offer paperwork, and ongoing mediation with employers.
- Collaborate with clients to develop individualized employment plans that include an assessment of family circumstances, employable skills, existing barriers to employment, and action steps for moving forward.
- Provide counseling on topics such as available job opportunities for low-English speakers, pay rate expectations, and expectations regarding commute time.
- Counsel clients on American workplace culture as well as laws and regulations.
- Satisfying documentation and reporting requirements in accordance with state and federal grant standards.
- Develop contacts and relationships with new employers to increase interest in hiring WRC program participants as well as maintain and strengthen existing employer relationships.
- Maintain accurate case files and case notes for program participants.
- Work collaboratively with other members of the Family Services Department to creatively address barriers to self-sufficiency.
- Attend department and office-wide meetings.
- Other responsibilities as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Highly self-motivated with strong follow-through and ability to work independently
- Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent interpersonal and relational skills to be utilized both in client interaction as well as employer connections.
- Detail-oriented, organized, and able to maintain accurate record keeping of client interactions; able to follow through independently on projects and assignments.
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and exercise critical thinking skills
- Strong mediation and problem-solving skills
- Cross-cultural experience and/or knowledge of the refugee/immigrant experience
- Willingness to advocate on behalf of clients with employers
- Understanding of the U.S. employment market, particularly in Chicago, or strong interest in learning
- Fluency in Swahili/Arabic/Rohingya/Spanish/Dari or other second language preferred
Requirements
- Mature and personal Christian faith
- Committed to the mission, vision, and values of World Relief
- Desire to serve and empower the Church to impact vulnerable communities
- Able to affirm and/or acknowledge World Reliefs Core Beliefs, Statement of Faith, Christian Identity and National Evangelicals For the Health of The Nation document
- Microsoft Office skills required
- Bachelor’s degree or at least one year experience in an office environment required
- Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends
- Valid Driver’s License and good driving record
World Relief offers a competitive benefits package (25 hours + per week):
- Medical, Dental, Vision
- Offer 16 company Paid Holidays + 4 additional Personal days per year!
- Paid Sick and Vacation Time
- Paid Parental Leave (12 weeks for qualified employees)
- FSAs: Medical & Dependent Care, & Commuter Funding
- Supplemental Life Insurance (employee, spouse, and children)
- Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, and Accident insurance policies
- Legal Shield Insurance
World Relief pays 100% for eligible employees:
- Group Term Life (employee, spouse, and children)
- Long Term & Short-term Disability
- Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)
- Long Distance Travel Insurance
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
World Relief - Retirement:
- 401K & Roth
- WR matches up to 4%, then an additional quarter percent up to 10%
- Eligibility: Full Time (40 hours per week) is eligible after 3 months of employment. Part time is eligible after 1000 hours in a year.
World Relief Discounts (Immediately Eligible):
- Verizon
- Pet Insurance through Nationwide
- Home and Auto insurance through Liberty Mutual
- Working Advantage Discount Program
- Active & Fit Gym Membership
World Relief is honored to be recognized with the Silver-level Cigna Healthy Workforce Designation for exceeding the core components of our well-being program including leadership and culture, program foundations and execution, and whole person health.
