Counselor, , HR/Recruitment
Listed on 2026-01-13
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HR/Recruitment
Job Title: Employment Counselor
Department: Employment and Career Services, Workforce Development
Supervised by: Senior Director of Workforce Development
FLSA Status: 1.0 FTE
Salary Range: $52,000 - $55,000
Anticipated
Start Date:
Immediately
Founded in 1919, the International Institute of Minnesota (IIMN) offers New Americans quality services that support their journey to stability and success. Our comprehensive offerings include refugee resettlement, English education, workforce and leadership development, college preparation and immigration and citizenship assistance. We are a diverse team of knowledgeable and encouraging advocates, ready to welcome refugees and immigrants. We support thousands of families and individuals each year by providing English classes, and helping them secure jobs, buy homes, become United States citizens, and become valued members of the community.
PurposeThe Employment Counselor provides individualized employment and career advancement services to refugees, asylees, and other eligible immigrants participating in the Employment and Career Services (ECS) and EARN programs. This role supports clients in securing permanent employment in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area—often their first job in the United States—and in advancing along career pathways to increase wages, stability, and long‑term economic mobility.
The Employment Counselor works closely with clients shortly after arrival to support rapid job placement and continues to engage with previously employed clients to support job upgrades, retention, and transitions into career pathway training. Clients in these programs also receive coordinated financial, housing, and transportation supports, requiring close collaboration with internal teams and community partners. A key emphasis of this position is providing ongoing job upgrade and career advancement support to clients already placed in employment.
Key ResponsibilitiesClient Services & Career Counseling
- Provide culturally responsive, strengths‑based employment counseling to newly arrived and established immigrant clients
- Support employable adults in identifying employment goals, addressing barriers to employment, and accessing appropriate community resources
- Deliver intensive orientation to U.S. workplace culture, expectations, and norms
- Support job retention, wage progression, and transitions into career pathway or training programs for employed clients
- Assist clients with financial orientation, including opening bank accounts and understanding payroll and benefits
Employer Engagement & Job Placement
- Build and maintain relationships with local employers to create employment opportunities for immigrant clients
- Match client skills, experience, and interests with appropriate job opportunities
- Support clients in navigating job applications, interviews, hiring processes, and onboarding
- Ensure clients have reliable transportation plans and are able to arrive at work independently and on time
Program Coordination & Documentation
- Maintain accurate and timely case notes, service records, and outcomes in the CRM/database system
- Coordinate and participate in bi‑monthly Institute employment team meetings
- Attend required weekly, monthly, and quarterly staff meetings
- Collaborate with internal teams providing housing, transportation, and financial assistance
- Perform other duties as assigned to support program goals
- Commitment to the human rights, dignity, and economic well‑being of refugees and immigrants
- Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship‑building skills
- Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, multicultural environment; take initiative; work independently; and manage multiple priorities
- Problem‑solving skills and the ability to independently address client and employer‑related challenges
- Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the Twin Cities labor market, hiring practices, and application procedures
- Experience working with immigrants, refugees, or diverse populations preferred
- Bilingual proficiency in English and one or more of the following…
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