Refugee Career Services Specialist

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest•Phoenix, AZ

10d•Onsite

About The Position

This position plays a vital role in supporting clients as they pursue meaningful employment and long-term career growth. Employment is central to successful resettlement and integration. In this position, you will build strong partnerships with local employers, connect clients to job opportunities, and provide guidance and preparation for workforce success—ensuring both successful placements and sustained employment. We’re looking for someone who is passionate about career development, culturally responsive, and dedicated to empowering newcomers. If you excel at building relationships, navigating challenges, and making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.

Requirements

High School diploma or GED required
Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, or a related field
Four years related education or social service experience, preferable working with immigrant populations, or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for a Bachelor’s degree
Strong understanding of the local labor market, workforce development best practices, and cultural sensitivity to the unique barriers and opportunities faced by refugee and immigrant populations.
Provide and maintain a valid Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card, clear the Central Registry Background Check and a criminal background and motor vehicle screening
Maintain valid AZ Driver’s License, an acceptable driving record through duration of employment, and reliable transportation
Proficient computer skills and knowledge of Outlook and Microsoft Office Programs (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Ability to speak, read, and write English
Excellent oral and written communications skills
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations
Ability to relate well with families of varied lifestyles, backgrounds and ethnicities

Nice To Haves

Ability to speak, read, and write in another language commonly used by our client population is preferred

Responsibilities

Partner with employers to create job opportunities that build on the strengths of clients with limited English or nontraditional work experience.
Conduct outreach, networking, and employer education about refugee hiring and right-to-work compliance.
Organize and participate in job fairs, hiring events, and employer site visits.
Maintain a job bank of open positions and employer requirements; update employer contact records weekly.
Meet with clients to assess skills, experience, and career goals.
Assist with resume creation, applications, interview preparation, and onboarding paperwork.
Provide group job readiness workshops covering U.S. workplace culture, rights and responsibilities, and retention strategies.
Accompany clients to interviews or orientations as needed.
Provide consistent follow-up at 1-day, 1-week, 1-month, and 90-day intervals after job placement.
Monitor wages, hours, satisfaction, and performance with both client and employer.
Identify barriers to retention and provide coaching or referrals to support stability.
Maintain relationship with employers who have hired clients to determine current openings and ensure that information is updated on a regular and timely basis into the Refugee Client Employment Database and Arizona Refugee Resettlement Program Online Data System (ARRPODS/Salesforce).