Career Development Specialist

Job Overview

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 enable them to move out of low-wage jobs and into sustainable career paths. The Career Development Specialist will work individually with clients to assess their eligibility and readiness, create career development plans, schedule career development activities, prepare job applications, and obtain successful job placements.

• Conduct pre-enrollment assessments and build career development plans with strategic direction.
• Provide ongoing case management and one-on-one assistance to help clients prepare resumes, search for job opportunities, and practice interview skills.
• Offer individual mentorship on resume writing, interview preparation, job search techniques, and other skills related to career advancement.
• Deliver group coaching and instruction in advanced work readiness and other employability skills.
• Support clients in enrolling and completing vocational training activities such as certification attainment, apprenticeships, and paid/unpaid work experience.
• Assist participants with networking and provide job application review.
• Accompany clients to job preparation activities, interviews, and job site tours; coach clients to attend these events independently in the future.
• Collaborate to provide comprehensive strength-based services to IRC clients through effective communication between team members and departments.
• Advocate for clients’ rights in the labor market by providing references and meeting with employers to educate them about the benefits of hiring refugees, asylees, and immigrants.
• Assist with the creation of program informational packets, marketing materials, and presentations.
• Ensure timely and accurate compliance with all reporting requirements.
• Conduct outreach to clients eligible to enroll in career development programming through a variety of channels.
• Develop and cultivate relationships with employers offering suitable job opportunities for clients, with a special focus on apprenticeship options.
• Assist clients and employers with post-placement issues and continuing career development needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Undergraduate degree or relevant work experience.
• At least one year of experience working with adult learners from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, especially refugees and immigrants.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, responsible, and flexible.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and maintain composure under pressure.
• Proficiency with MS Office applications and database experience.
• Fluency in English, both spoken and written. Multi-lingual ability preferred (Spanish, French, Arabic, Dari, Farsi, Pashto).
• Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends on a regular basis.

• Understanding of local refugee and immigrant communities desirable.
• Knowledge of workplace safety practices and willingness to learn industry-specific practices.
• Creative and strategic thinking to overcome barriers.

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

Pay Rate: $21‑24 per hour.

US Benefits: 10 sick days, 10 U.S. holidays, 20‑25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for health care and commuter costs, 403(b) retirement savings plan with immediate vesting matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program.

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.