Senior Employment Assistant - Lancaster, PA

Church World Service•Lancaster, PA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Employment Assistant is responsible for providing employment assessment, job counseling, job placement, employment-related translation and interpretation services, and case management to eligible clients in the Economic Empowerment Program of CWS-local office. With the goal of self-sufficiency for each individual or family, the Senior Employment Assistant will work with clients to remove barriers to employment and secure successful job placements. The Senior Employment Assistant will work closely with the Economic Empowerment Program Manager to achieve RSS & MG program goals, serving as the lead enrollment support within the area. In addition, the Senior Employment Assistant will help provide guidance and support to other employment specialists and interns in the area.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in lieu of degree.
Minimum of 3 years previous work experience and interest in refugee resettlement or other direct social services. Ability to provide culturally sensitive counseling and case management is required.
Fluency in English is required. Superior written and verbal communication skills are required. The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, and Access) and Internet applications. Must have a car and a valid driver’s license with an approvable driving history.
English fluency is required. Fluency in relevant languages is preferred. Most needed languages are Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Haitian Creole, Pashto, Dari, or Spanish. The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and internet applications. Strong organizational and time management skills are required. They will have a demonstrated commitment to excellence with a track record that includes close attention to detail, strong project coordination and problem-solving skills, strong communication skills, including in-person networking and writing skills, and a high degree of cultural competency. Must be comfortable visiting clients in their homes and in the community.
Must have access to reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with insurable record. Must be able to keep a clean driving record and be at least 21 years of age.. Mileage accrued while executing work responsibilities is reimbursable by CWS.
Must be able to maintain a flexible schedule to work varied hours, including occasional nights and weekends. This is an in-person position.
Must be able to pass an FBI background check and a Child Abuse History Clearance.

Nice To Haves

Fluency in relevant languages is preferred. Most needed languages are Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Haitian Creole, Pashto, Dari, or Spanish.

Responsibilities

Conducts outreach to identify and locate eligible clients through contacts with other CWS (in-house) programs, local County Assistance Offices, mutual assistance associations, ethnic community organizations, and other social service agencies for enrollment in Refugee Social Service (RSS), Employer Engagement Program, and Matching Grant (MG) of CWS - local office.
Determines clients’ eligibility for services and identifies specific needs and qualifications, including English language ability, transferable job skills, personal objectives, and barriers to employment through intake and assessment process. Works with clients to prepare job resumes based on intake and assessment. Creates initial client record in ClientTrack Database and adds appropriate demographic and enrollments details on the ORR-5 and other area trackers.
Develops comprehensive employment and self-sufficiency plans alongside enrolled clients. Provides individualized job placement services to program participants. Develops plan of action and counsels’ clients in areas such as job interview skills, expected behavior on the job, and proper hygiene.
Works with clients to remove barriers to employment and realize the goal of family self-sufficiency. Identifies other support services that may assist clients in becoming self-sufficient and makes appropriate referrals, such as classes for English as a Second Language, transportation, immigration services, and childcare.
Supports clients in their job search by aiding with job applications, setting up interviews with potential employers, accompanying clients to interviews and providing transportation, doing follow up with employers until decisions are made and negotiating job advancements when warranted.
Maintain accurate service provision records, documenting clients’ progress in secure case files, including compliance, job offers, all placements, job retention, public assistance usage, follow-up on placements, and efforts to support advancement opportunities.
Supports quarterly spot checks of case files, providing feedback to colleagues and supporting ongoing learning in identified areas of need.
Supports the development of new program initiative based on client learning needs and identified program trends, including the development and implementation of financial literacy and coaching assistance.
Conducts initial eligibility assessments to identify Match Grant eligible candidates, sharing notes and final recommendations with MG supervisors.
In coordination with the Economic Empowerment Program Manager, compile supporting information to complete required TANF samplings.
Assists the Economic Empowerment Program Manager, Employer Outreach Supervisor and the Associate Director for Integration in preparing for monitors, completing reports, and compiling data as requested.
Provides guidance and support to other employment specialists, interns and volunteers in the area; especially in regards to RSS tracking and services & MG enrollments and services.
Provide leadership support for Economic Empowerment team. Alongside Economic Empowerment Program Manager and Employer Outreach Supervisor, act as point person for policy, program, and community resource questions and aid team in problem-solving and decision-making, especially when supervisor is not available.
Support the Economic Empowerment Program Manager in training new hires and coaching staff. Facilitate shadowing opportunities, check-ins, and program training.
Support Economic Empowerment Program Manager in preparing new grant applications, program reports and ensuring program compliance.
Effectively coordinate and work in tandem with other service providers to assist refugee clients, avoid duplication of services, and maximize efficiency.
Effectively use technology to maximize efficiency and quality of work during intake, needs assessments, and data entry.
Advocate for equal access to services for refugees and immigrants.
Keep informed about refugee and immigrant issues and available services to clients, using current information to better identify and serve refugee and immigrant clients.
Attend and support key CWS local office activities and events, including World Refugee Day, Community & Volunteer Appreciation events, and the ExtraOrdinary Give.
Provide program updates and highlights to fellow team members during check-ins and staff meetings.
Undertake other duties as assigned.