job
Employment Specialist
Organization International Rescue CommitteeLocation United States of AmericaType FULL TIMEPosted 11 May 2026Deadline 31 Jul 2026
Program/Project Management
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Full Description
**IRC Background:** Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. The IRC is on the ground in more than 40 countries, providing emergency relief, relocating refugees and rebuilding lives in the wake of disaster. Through 29 regional offices in cities across the United States, the IRC helps refugees resettle and become self-sufficient. The IRC has been resetting refugees in Sacramento, California, for over 30 years, providing reception and placement services to newly arrived refugees. The office resettles over 1,000 refugees per year and provides numerous supplemental programs to assist refugees and IRC clients from their arrival and beyond.
**Job Overview:** The Employment Specialist guides, prepares, and empowers newly arrived refugees to achieve financial self-sufficiency through employment. The Employment Specialist is responsible for managing and documenting service provision, working collaboratively with team members, and meeting performance goals. Specifically, the Employment Specialist provides services that include employment preparation, job readiness training, placement support, career enhancement services and follow-up services. This position also works within a team to maintain and nurture existing employer relationships. This position reports to the Employment Supervisor.
**Major Responsibilities:**
- Provide comprehensive intake, assessment, orientation, and pre-employment/job readiness classes to clients eligible for employment services.
- Provide job counseling and case management support to newly arrived refugees.
- Conduct group and one-on-one job readiness courses that provide clients with the basic skills required to enhance their employability, such as cultural and workplace orientation, mock interviews, creation of resumes, and job skills development sessions.
- Develop comprehensive employment plans for each employable adult.
- Keep accurate digital and physical attendance, assessment, and service provision records.
- Develop and cultivate long-term relationships with area employees to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients.
- Determine specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assist clients in accessing these opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process.
- Monitor client job performance, wage level, and employer/employee satisfaction.
- Assist clients and employers as necessary with post placement issues and continuing employment needs.
- Ensure timely and accurate compliance to all reporting requirements, including database management, case noting, and file maintenance.
- Develop and coordinate training programs to assist with career development opportunities.
- Supervise and assist program interns and volunteers.
- Other duties as assigned.
**Job Requirements:**
- Undergraduate degree in Social Work or related field of study; or equivalent work experience.
- Minimum of two years of relevant work experience in human services field preferred.
- Supervisory or mentoring experience desired.
- Demonstrated experience with the US job search process and the ability to effectively coach clients through the nuanced process of securing employment.
- Familiarity with the Sacramento job market strongly preferred.
- Proven success, achieving goals and working effectively with all levels of staff in a fast-paced, multi-cultural environment.
- Self- starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
- Fluent in English, both spoken and written; bilingual ability in another language (Spanish, Dari/Farsi, Pashto) is desired.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and online databases.
- Valid driver’s license, access to a reliable vehicle with current insurance, and the willingness to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area.
**Key Working Relationships:**
**Position Reports to:** Employment Supervisor
**Position directly supervises:** Volunteers and Interns
***Internal:*** IRC Employees, clients, interns, volunteers
\*\*\*External:\*\*\*Current and potential client employers
**Working Environment:**
- A combination of standard office environment and ‘field’ time in and around the service delivery area.
- May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.
**Compensation:** ($26 - $27). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.
**Equal Opportunity Employer:**
IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
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