Employment Specialist

Job Overview

The Employment Specialist is responsible for administering services that help refugees and immigrants achieve self‑sufficiency through employment. This role reports to the Economic Well‑Being Program Manager and works with employers, community organizations, and other IRC staff to facilitate job readiness and placement.

• Case Management Services:
  • Provide employment‑focused case management, including intake and pre‑employment orientation.
  • Develop individualized employment and self‑sufficiency plans and offer referrals to supporting services.
  • Lead group and one‑on‑one job readiness workshops.
  • Assist participants through application, interview, and hiring processes.
  • Maintain case notes, monitor job performance and wages, conduct 6‑ and 12‑month check‑ins, and support compliance documentation.
• Employer Relations:
  • Build and maintain relationships with area employers to identify placement opportunities.
  • Enroll clients in IRC‑provided classes and trainings.
  • Provide post‑placement support and report job performance for funding compliance.
• Team/Office Participation:
  • Collaborate with the IRC team, coordinate cases, and communicate with multiple departments.
  • Attend program meetings, staff development, and wellness activities.
  • Follow all agency policies, procedures, and protocols.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned.

Reports to:

Economic Well‑Being Program Manager.

Internal contacts: IRC Spokane Economic Well‑Being team and other program teams. External contacts: DSHS caseworkers, local employers, WA Office of Refugee & Immigrant Assistance, LEP Pathway contractors, and BFET program contractors.

• Relevant degree or equivalent professional or lived experience.
• Knowledge of U.S. job‑search, interview, and placement processes.
• Demonstrated success in a multicultural environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Self‑starter with strong problem‑solving and time‑management skills.
• Proficient in written and spoken English.
• Highly organized and capable of meeting administrative requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Commitment to anti‑racism and ongoing learning.
• Preferred: lived experience as a refugee or immigrant; bilingual ability in languages common to local refugee populations (Arabic, Spanish, Swahili, Dari, Pashto, Burmese, Vietnamese, or Tigrinya); strong community ties; prior employment services experience.

Professional office setting with flexibility for remote work. Occasional weekend or evening hours may be required.

Hourly pay range: $23‑$25 per hour. This is a short‑term role (anticipated end date September
30,2026) and is not eligible for IRC’s full benefits package.

Eligible for a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match and a non‑elective contribution. Paid sick leave per policy. Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling and mental‑health support.

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer and 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.