Employment Specialist

The Employment Specialist helps newly arrived refugee clients achieve self-sufficiency through employment by delivering job readiness services, career coaching, and employer connections while supporting clients through the application and placement process. The role involves maintaining strong relationships with local employers, coordinating with IRC staff, and ensuring compliance with donor and program requirements.

Responsibilities

• 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

Requirements

• 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.
• Experience working with vulnerable or underserved populations strongly preferred.
• 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; bilingual ability in Spanish, Dari, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, French, or other refugee/immigrant language preferred.
• 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.

Skills

• Case Management
• Public Employment Services
• Job Placement Activities
• Workforce Development
• Social Service
• Vulnerable Populations Support
• US Job Search Process
• Career Coaching
• Employment Engagement
• MS Word
• MS Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• MS Teams
• Public Speaking
• Presentation Skills
• Time Management
• Organizational Skills
• Problem Solving
• Task Prioritization
• English Language Proficiency
• Fingerprint Clearance

Languages

English, Spanish, Dari, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, French