Career Development Counselor

Overview

The Career Development Counselor is responsible for program implementation and service delivery for the IRC’s career development programs, including assisting low-income populations, refugees, out-of-school and other underserved populations in gaining job and academic skills, placing them in employment and college, and providing wraparound services and case management. The role involves working within a team to deliver client-facing services such as orientation and assessments, client intakes, career coaching, goal setting, job search assistance, soft-skills trainings, enrollment in post-secondary and certificate programs, supporting clients with obtaining work experience, coordinating with external stakeholders and employers to develop work experience opportunities, and referring clients to services across IRC programs.

• Outreach and Enrollment:
  Develop and maintain partnerships with local community partners and stakeholders, conduct information and orientation sessions at IRC and partner sites to identify and recruit participants.
• Assist with creation of marketing materials, career pathway informational packets and presentations.
• Coordinate with internal IRC programs to receive referrals, provide updates about participants and programs.
• Develop and cultivate relationships with training/education providers and employers offering quality job opportunities and work experiences for clients.
• Conduct a thorough and equal assessment of applicants, complete intake and enrollment administration and case noting.

• Career Coaching and Technical Assistance:
  Manage a client caseload with one-on-one career coaching, service planning, goal setting, actionable activities, resource mapping, assisting clients to enter in-demand professions, obtaining financial assistance for training, and ongoing case management.
• Implement technical assessments to gauge client strengths, weaknesses, and proficiencies.
• Assist with job or college placement including advanced work readiness training (resume writing, interview skills, job search skills, networking), and provide follow-up after placement.
• Refer clients to the Financial Coach for financial literacy, loan applications and credit classes.
• Track and document client participation and progress, adhering to grant requirements, and collect success stories.
• Collaborate with external partners to ensure access to information, resources, and financial assistance.
• Advocate for clients’ rights in the labor market by educating employers about the benefits of hiring refugees, asylees, and immigrants.
• Provide comprehensive strength-based services through cross-team communication; assist with post-placement issues and continuing career development needs by referring to education and business development resources.

• Service Documentation:
  Ensure timely and accurate compliance with reporting requirements, document services and client outcomes in case management systems, monitor job performance and wage levels, and maintain up-to-date case files; assist with grant applications and final reporting.
• Develop supportive tracking systems for auxiliary information and comply with financial and budget-related processes.

• A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area.
• May require occasional weekend and/or evening work.

• Education:
  
  Undergraduate degree in a related field; comparable related work experience may be substituted.
• Work Experience:
  
  A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social services, international affairs, or related field; minimum 2 years of professional experience in social services, employment, workforce programming, client counseling, or related area. Experience with low-income, immigrant and low English proficiency populations in a workforce development setting is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated skills in community resource knowledge, working with external stakeholders, and data tracking systems; proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proficiency in another language (e.g., Spanish, Tigrinya, Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Ukrainian) preferred.

• Experience…