Employment Specialist (limited-term)

Job description

Are you a person of compassion? An advocate for justice? Someone who stands up for the rights of the vulnerable and speaks out for the marginalized, the exploited and the forgotten? Do you believe in our calling as Christians to welcome the least of these and love our neighbor? If you answered ‘yes’, to any of the above, World Relief, and millions of people around the world need you. At this pivotal moment in time, we are rapidly expanding and growing our team to meet the increasing needs of our world. We are looking for people who want to use their gifts and talents to make a real and tangible difference in our world and the lives of the suffering. If you’re looking for a purpose-driven career in which you can grow your talents, while also standing up for the rights of the vulnerable, we want you to join us today. **ORGANIZATION SUMMARY** World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization whose mission is to boldly engage the world’s greatest crises in partnership with the church. The organization was founded in the aftermath of World War II to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of war-torn Europe. Since then, for 80 years, across 100 countries, World Relief has partnered with local churches and communities to build a world where families thrive and communities flourish. Today, organizational programming focuses on humanitarian and disaster response, community strengthening and resilience, and refugee & immigrant services and advocacy. **POSITION SUMMARY:** The Employment Specialist will assist refugee clients to prepare for, secure, and retain employment that will make self-sufficiency possible, fulfilling the Match Grant and other program requirements in close collaboration with other employment and casework staff at World Relief. *This is a limited-term position funded through a grant agreement until 5/31/26 and contingent upon funding extension.* ### ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES: - Ensure services, which support and strengthen clients’ motivation and capacities to become self-supporting, are provided in a planned, effective, and timely manner to eligible clients - Provide assessment of client’s skills and experience and develop an employment plan with reasonable employment goals and strategies that will lead to employment - Make contact with refugees enrolled in the program through office visits and telephone calls (and home visits when necessary) until case closure - Document activities through timely case notes which reflect the current status - When appropriate, refer clients to other resources including childcare providers, DMV, medical care, job training, transportation information, and other sources and services that will remove identified barriers to employment - Provide job counseling and assist clients in developing effective job applications, resumes, and interview techniques - Represent World Relief to area employers as a desirable source of workers, acting as liaison between employer and client to ensure good employer relationships - Instruct two-hour Job Readiness Class once each week using the prepared curriculum, keep curriculum up to date - Enroll clients into relevant programs including completing assessments and developing service plans to track progress of goal achievement - Assist clients in accessing community resources Provide orientation on various life skills topics (budgeting, paying rent/utilities, riding the bus, scheduling medical appointments, etc.) - Ensure enrollment in ESL courses when applicable - Assist clients with appointments, financial literacy, and goal-oriented individualized service plans - Ensure security of full-time employment and offer transportation solutions of clients within their first 5 years in the USA - Orientation to culture and expectations of work in the US - Counseling clients about benefits of early employment - Monitor client’s ELT attendance to increase employability - Follow up with clients after job placement to address areas of concern and ensure continued employment - Participate in the design and execution of programs or courses geared toward client development for increased employability and skills - Maintain and complete detailed and accurate records of client files, case notes, and reporting records and submit monthly program reports ### JOB REQUIREMENTS: - Mature and personal Christian faith - Committed to the mission, vision, and values of World Relief - Desire to serve and empower the Church to impact vulnerable communities - Able to affirm and/or acknowledge World Reliefs [Core Beliefs](https://worldrelief.org/values/), [Statement of Faith](https://worldrelief.org/statement-of-faith-details/), [Christian Identity](https://worldrelief.org/content/uploads/2022/06/Towards-a-Fresh-Embrace-of-our-Christian-Identity-2.pdf) and [National Association of Evangelicals' For the Health of The Nation document](https://www.nae.org/for-the-health-of-the-nation-publication/) - Computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Excel, and Word) and internet applications required - High School Diploma - 2 years’ relevant experience such as direct services and case file maintenance - Valid driver’s license, and reliable transportation - Prior multicultural experience - Experience in a social service setting assisting people in need - Demonstrated understanding of case management processes; extremely detail-oriented, excellent time management skills ### PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: - Previous case management experience preferred Skill and sensitivity working with people from various backgrounds and beliefs - Ability to work with minimum supervision and resolve problems/issues promptly and effectively Ability to work well on a team in a synergistic work environment, a flexible and motivated team player - Ability to prioritize, multi-task, and organize in a fast-paced and fluid environment - Proficiency in Spanish, Swahili, Dari, Pashto, Burmese, Karen, or Chin is highly desired