Employment Retention Specialist

Job Description

IRC Background: The mission of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933, the IRC has a presence in over 40 countries and 27 offices in the United States; the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

Job Overview:The Employment Retention Specialist is responsible for providing targeted services to Afghan refugees after placement including but not limited to English training, onboarding curriculum, and general skills-building training. The Employment Retention Specialist will work alongside IRC teams focused on both initial job placement as well as career development services to ensure that placed Afghans are able to complete initial onboarding, retain their jobs, and undergo professional development to grow with their employer.

Major Responsibilities

Employer Partnership
Collaborate with existing employers and create new employer partnerships with employers onboarding or currently employing Afghan refugees
Conduct needs assessments with employer partners to outline the need for IRC support to ensure Afghan refugees are successful on the job
Create curriculum with employers for services including Vocational English as a Second Language (VESL), onboarding training, and soft-skill development
Client Services
Conduct eligibility and suitability assessments as well as an intake and goal planning for each enrolled participant
Develop and implement curriculum including VESL, onboarding training, skill training, and career development services both on-site at employer locations as well as through virtual means
Provided 1-1 and cohort-based career development and career planning sessions for participants
Provide clients with warm referrals to internal and external vocational trainings, wrap-around services, and other referrals necessary to ensure retention
Coordinate with interpreters to ensure client language needs are met
Partnerships and Presentation
Plan and conduct regular employer stakeholder meetings to receive feedback from employer partners on program success as well as overall concerns and opportunities from workforce partners
Coordinate the sharing of best practices, curriculum, and overall program findings annually with local workforce development boards and resettlement agencies.
Service Documentation
Use internal databases as assigned to track client services, outcomes, and metrics
Engage with and, as necessary, develop supportive tracking systems for auxiliary information
Comply with all financial and budget-related mechanisms and processes
Other Responsibilities
Participate in all program meetings, staff development activities, and fully engage as a member of the team
Comply with all policies, procedures and protocols of the agency
Other related duties as assigned
Key Working Relationships

Position Reports to: Employment Programs Manager, Career Development Coordinator

Position directly supervises: Interns and volunteers

Internal and/or external contacts: Coordinates regularly with San Jose Employment and Career Development teams and local partners

Education

Job Requirements:
Bachelor’s degree or 2+ years in relevant work experience required
Work Experience
At least 2 years’ experience working in employment and workforce programs strongly preferred
At least 2 years’ experience with client counseling, case management, or coaching strongly preferred
Demonstrated Skills And Competencies
Multi-cultural experience and demonstrated ability to communicate well with people of varied backgrounds required
Ability to effectively set service expectations and coach clients towards shared goals
Ability to meet with and pitch programs or products to external partners required
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation creation
Strong interpersonal skills for effective networking and influence. Proven ability to foster and manage client and employer relationships
Proven ability to take initiative, creatively problem solve and collaborate in a fast-paced work environment
Demonstrated experience in system development, case management, and/or sales and marketing
Excellent organizational skills with the ability to track and follow up on dynamic information
Ability to work efficiently across a team to reach specific measured outcomes
Experience using data and fiscal tracking systems strongly preferred
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite required
Flexible availability necessary
Language Skills
Proficiency in a refugee language such as Dari, Farsi or Pashto an asset
Working Environment : Standard office environment including regular travel to employer sites.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: In accordance with IRC’s duty to provide and maintain a workplace that is free of known hazards and our commitment to safeguard the health of our employees, clients, and communities, IRC requires candidates who are selected for interview to furnish proof of vaccination against COVID-19 in order to be considered for this position.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

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: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $120 per month, dental starting at $7 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and 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.