Career Development Specialist

Career Development Specialist - International Rescue Committee

International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic well‑being, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non‑governmental organizations, working in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities. If you're a solutions‑driven, passionate change‑maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions worldwide.

The Career Development Program promotes economic self‑sufficiency for refugees and immigrants with barriers to achieving their career goals. The program connects them with training and resources to help them move out of low‑wage jobs into sustainable career paths. As a Career Development Specialist you will work individually with clients to assess eligibility and readiness for the program, create career development plans, schedule activities, prepare job applications, and secure successful job placements.

Because program participants often face barriers to entry and completion, you will also provide supportive services and flexibility to meet their dynamic needs.

• Conduct pre‑enrollment assessments, build career development plans, and provide ongoing case management.
• Assist clients in preparing resumes, searching for job opportunities, and practicing interview skills.
• Offer individual mentorship in resume writing, interview preparation, and job search techniques.
• Deliver group coaching on work readiness and employability skills.
• Support clients in enrolling in vocational training, certification, apprenticeships, and work experience.
• Assist with networking, job application review, and accompany clients to preparation activities and interviews.
• Advocate for clients’ rights in the labor market, providing references and educating employers about hiring refugees, asylees, and immigrants.
• Collaborate with team members and departments to provide comprehensive strength‑based services.
• Assist with creation of program informational packets, marketing materials and presentations.
• Ensure timely and accurate compliance with all reporting requirements.
• Conduct outreach to eligible clients through various channels and cultivate relationships with employers, focusing on apprenticeship options.
• Assist clients and employers with post‑placement issues and continuing career development needs.

• Undergraduate degree or relevant work experience.
• Interest in social services, employment, workforce programming, client counseling, or related area; at least one year of experience preferred.
• Ability to work with adult learners from diverse cultural and linguistic groups.
• Work or volunteer experience with refugee and immigrant populations desired.
• Knowledge of workplace safety practices.
• Creative and strategic problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, responsible, and flexible; able to handle multiple tasks in a fast‑paced environment.
• Fluency in MS Office applications and database experience required.
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends on a regular basis.
• Fluency in English; multi‑lingual ability preferred (Spanish, French, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Pashto).

• Combination of standard office setting, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area.
• May require occasional weekend or evening work.
• Pay Range: $22 – $23.60 per hour (US‑based candidates). Exact offers calibrated to location, experience, and job requirements.

All IRC workers must adhere to IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct, including Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. IRC enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, Reporting Wrongdoing, and Protection from Retaliation.

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.