Employment Assistant - Winchester, VA

Imagine waking up every morning with the chance to change someone's life. Imagine knowing your efforts will benefit both your career and our neighbors around the world. At CWS, our team knows they are making a difference every day. Whether you're in our U.S.

-based offices supporting refugees, asylees or unaccompanied children ... implementing hygiene initiatives in Cambodia or rebuilding projects in Central America ... or even connecting remotely from your home on fundraising campaigns, grant reports, or critical communications - you have the opportunity to work towards a world where everyone has food, a voice and a safe place to call home.

The Employment Specialist offers support and employment services to refugees to help them reach financial self‑sufficiency in the United States.

• Interview, advise, and guide a diverse population of clients to ascertain employability; interpret and explain regulations, rules, policies, and procedures; determine eligibility for services; advise clients of rights, benefits, responsibilities, and obligations; ensure applications and forms are completed accurately.
• Assess clients’ education, work experience, skills, abilities, qualifications, and job interests; evaluate readiness for job referral, training, and support services.
• Empower clients to formulate realistic yet ambitious employability plans and assist in developing and implementing individual plans.
• Provide individualized job development and placement services.
• Develop action plans and counsel clients on interview skills, job behavior, and hygiene.
• Identify suitable job opportunities, assist in applications, set up interviews, accompany clients, and follow up with employers; negotiate job advancements when warranted.
• Document all contacts and services in case files and maintain logs; record employment progress including compliance, offers, placements, retention, public assistance use, and follow‑up.
• Monitor and evaluate clients’ progress and service provider compliance through reports and site visits.
• Work with clients to remove employment barriers and support self‑sufficiency; connect to in‑house and external services such as ESL, transportation, immigration, and childcare.
• Assist with vocational training, career laddering, and apprenticeship referrals.
• Offer interpretation/translation services and transportation to interviews as needed.
• Advocate on behalf of clients and refugee‑serving agencies.
• Attend trainings and conferences as requested.
• Stay informed about refugee and immigrant issues and services.
• Represent the program at relevant meetings and engagements.
• Perform duties in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.
• Work varied hours, including some night and weekend work.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and suitable vehicle for transporting clients.

B.A. or equivalent work experience in refugee resettlement or related field is required.

• 2 years’ work experience in refugee resettlement or direct social services is desired.
• Cultural sensitivity is essential.

As listed above.

• Superior written and verbal communication skills.
• Computer literate, proficiency in MS Office (Excel and Word) and internet applications.
• Fluency in English and Dari, Pashto and/or Arabic.

• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle; mileage accrued while performing duties is reimbursable.
• Must complete a motor vehicle record check.
• Must be willing and able to travel.
• Reference, criminal background, and motor vehicle background checks required.

• 403(b) Retirement Plan
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off (18 days; 24 days after 2 years)
• 14 Official Holidays
• 12 Sick Days (accrued monthly)
• Life Insurance and AD&D
• Long‑Term and Short‑Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Accounts

Entry level

Full‑time

Human Resources

Industries:
Non‑profit Organizations, Religious Institutions, and Health and Human Services

Location:

Winchester, VA