Employment Specialist - Bilingual Preferred

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains•Albuquerque, NM

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Lutheran Family Services Rocky Mountains (LFSRM) is a nonprofit, human services agency dedicated to supporting children and families across the Rocky Mountain region. LFSRM is committed to inspiring community through its mission and values all people. The Refugee & Asylee programs at LFSRM assist individuals who have been uprooted by persecution and violence in their journey towards self-sufficiency. This is achieved through essential resettlement services, including case management, employment assistance, housing support, school registration, cultural orientation, and referrals to internal and external services for English language acquisition, health and mental health needs, employment, and economic development. LFSRM collaborates with national and local organizations to provide the necessary services and resources for newly arrived Refugees to achieve rapid self-sufficiency, integrate into their new communities, and thrive.

Requirements

Knowledge of currently available community resources, services, and supports, and ability to connect individuals or families to appropriate resources.
Skills and sensitivity in working with individuals and families from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Familiarity with or ability to follow practice standards, including applicable local, state and federal regulations and guidance, and contractual requirements.
Experience with crisis management, problem solving, and mediation best practices.
Ability to communicate professionally and cooperate with colleagues, other professionals, community partners, and other individuals involved in the care and coordination of services.
Ability to maintain high quality, thorough, and timely documentation and records of activities, services, and efforts.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and attempting to understand the personal and cultural reasons for their reactions.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Ability to work in Word, Excel, Outlook, and other applications.
Must maintain a valid driver's license and carry personal auto liability insurance at the level of $100,000/300,000/100,000.
Frequent travel with personal vehicle.
May be required to transport clients in personal vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Arabic, Spanish, or Swahili bilingual preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist refugees in obtaining employment in their new community.
Conduct initial assessments and create employment plans.
Provide pre-employment coaching and assist clients with all aspects of their job search.
Maintain and expand employer partnerships to ensure diverse employment opportunities for refugee clients.
Complete employment orientation and employment plans in collaboration with refugee clients, empowering them to set and achieve short- and long-term goals.
Refer clients to appropriate training programs based on interests, education, work experience, and career goals.
Provide pre-employment skills training and job readiness coaching, including resume creation, job search strategies, job application completion, and interview preparation.
Provide public transportation orientation and training.
Provide referrals and coordination for necessary supports to sustain employment, such as childcare, transportation assistance, or work clothing.
Assess client skills for particular jobs based on employer needs and complete job applications.
Transport clients to employer job sites and hiring fairs for job applications and support through the screening and interview process.
Follow up with employers after applications or interviews.
Research and identify new industries and employers offering employment opportunities for refugees.
Maintain contact with employers through site visits, phone calls, newsletters, email, and special events.
Determine ongoing eligibility and program compliance for cash assistance and transportation assistance, and distribute payments.
Track payments and disbursements in notes and client databases.
Maintain client records, including case notes, ESL attendance, and other documents demonstrating progress and compliance.
Conduct ongoing post-placement follow-up with employers to ensure successful employment outcomes and employer satisfaction.
Provide intensive support for employed clients as necessary to promote job retention.
Perform other duties as required.