Employment Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non‑governmental organizations (INGO), working in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities to help people survive, reclaim control of their future, and strengthen their communities.

The Employment Specialist assists newly arrived refugees and other qualified immigrants to attain self‑sufficiency through employment by guiding them through employment preparation, coordinating job placements, and providing other career advancement services.

• Conduct intake, assessment and provide orientation to clients eligible for employment services.
• Develop comprehensive employment plans and budget strategies for each employable adult.
• Provide job readiness and job search coaching and connect clients with job opportunities.
• Develop and cultivate long‑term relationships with area employers and staffing agencies to identify appropriate employment opportunities for clients.
• Assist clients and employers as necessary with post‑placement issues and continuing employment needs.
• Monitor client job performance, wage levels, and related metrics.
• Detail each client interaction in accordance with program requirements; input client information in database(s) and assist with tracking and reporting as needed.
• Collaborate effectively with coworkers and partner organizations. Build and maintain relationships with area service providers for the benefit of clients.
• Use personal, insured vehicle and/or public transportation (where available) to travel and transport clients and materials as needed throughout the service delivery area.
• May train and lead the activities of support staff, volunteers, and interns.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education: Bachelor's degree in social work or related field of study preferred.

Work Experience:

• Relevant professional experience in workforce development field required; 2 years’ experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations strongly preferred.
• Experience with job placement and job readiness training a plus.

• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi‑cultural environment.
• Self‑starter with excellent problem‑solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi‑task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Proficient in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by a client group strongly desired.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research and problem‑solving purposes.
• Valid driver's license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area to perform the above responsibilities. This position is based in Silver Spring 4 days/week and based remotely 1 day/week with potential for field work all workdays.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. Our standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs.

IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and…