Refugee Employment Specialist (Internal Applicants Only)

Jewish Family and Community Services of Pittsburgh•Pittsburgh, PA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

JFCS is committed to assisting refugee families so they are on the path to building economic and family self-sufficiency. We are seeking a Refugee Employment specialist to help on our team. The Refugee Employment Specialist will assist adult refugees, within their first five years in U.S., find jobs within designated timelines. The Employment Specialist will also assist job-seeking clients and their families with case management or other related duties.

Requirements

Experience working with refugee/immigrant populations and a general understanding of workforce
Team player; ability to communicate with case workers, interpreters, employers
Excellent organizational skills
Experience in providing direct client services
Ability to promote program to employers
A valid PA driver’s license and access to a vehicle
Belief in the importance of creating an inclusive local workforce
Passion for helping individuals achieve independence through education and work
Commitment to providing culturally competent services in client’s preferred language
Enthusiastic, creative and empathetic

Nice To Haves

Fluency in a non-English language is preferred, but not required. Current high need languages include Arabic, Nepali, Swahili and Dari

Responsibilities

Assess employment needs of clients
Create/implement individualized job plan, budget and resume with each client
Provide job counseling (managing expectations), job search and job development assistance to clients
Communicate frequently with refugee team about client progress
Assist in new employer development
Contact employers on behalf of clients
Plan, develop curriculum, organize, coordinate, and leads job-related workshops for clients
Assist clients with job applications and follow-up as needed
Attend and/organize job fair events with or on behalf of clients
Prepare clients for interviews, ensures transportation to interview and provides post-interview communication
Upon hire, assist with pre-hire requirements, transportation planning and onboarding
Follow up with employed clients according to required schedule and program requirements
Act as liaison with employers, available to trouble-shoot problems, especially as they relate to cross-cultural issues
Assist clients with upgrading to better paying/career-oriented jobs as allowed by program priorities
Provide case management to job seeker or his/her family as part of family self-sufficiency plan
Maintain accurate written and electronic records in accordance with funding and agency requirements
Prepare case notes on all contacts with or on behalf of clients as soon as possible
Participate in departmental staff and planning meetings
Attend employment meetings and refugee resettlement conferences as needed, local, regional and national
Participate in staff development and training opportunities provided by JFCS
Assume other responsibilities as assigned related to refugee services and JFCS employees in general.