Career Development Specialist

International Rescue Committee•San Diego, CA

3d•$23 - $27•Hybrid

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in San Diego's Connect2Work Program empowers opportunity youth ages 16–24 to achieve economic mobility through education, career exploration, work-based learning, occupational skills training, and employment services. The program utilizes a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approach that integrates all 14 WIOA Youth Program Elements into individualized career pathways designed to support long-term success. The Career Development Specialist provides comprehensive case management, career coaching, and workforce navigation services to youth facing barriers to education and employment, including refugees, immigrants, English learners, justice-involved youth, youth experiencing homelessness, foster youth, parenting youth, and other opportunity youth. Working closely with employers, educational institutions, community partners, and IRC staff, the Career Development Specialist supports participants in developing Individual Service Strategies (ISS), enrolling in education and training opportunities, participating in paid work experiences, obtaining industry-recognized credentials, and securing meaningful employment aligned with their long-term career goals. This position requires creativity, flexibility, excellent relationship-building skills, and a commitment to empowering young adults through participant-centered service delivery.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study preferred.
Relevant professional experience in the field of human services required; minimum of 3 years’ experience strongly preferred.
Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations required.
Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by local refugee and immigrant populations is strongly preferred.
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research and problem-solving purposes.
Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle; ability to drive an IRC passenger van.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency in language(s) spoken by local refugee and immigrant populations is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach, eligibility screening, intake, and enrollment.
Complete assessments and develop Individual Service Strategies (ISS).
Provide ongoing career coaching, case management, and goal monitoring.
Coordinate referrals and supportive services to address barriers to participation.
Maintain regular contact with participants to promote engagement and successful outcomes.
Deliver one-on-one and group instruction in work readiness, career exploration, job search, resume development, interviewing, and professional skills.
Assist participants in identifying and securing employment, internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities.
Provide post-placement coaching to support job retention and career advancement.
Support enrollment and persistence in secondary school completion, postsecondary education, occupational training, and credential programs.
Monitor participant progress and coordinate resources that promote educational success.
Build partnerships with employers, training providers, schools, and community organizations to expand career opportunities for youth.
Coordinate work-based learning experiences, hiring events, and employer engagement activities.
Maintain accurate case files and document participant services, outcomes, and activities in required databases.
Track performance metrics and ensure compliance with WIOA, funder, and IRC requirements.
Participate in program planning, outreach, continuous quality improvement, and other duties as assigned.