Resettlement Navigator

REPORTS TO:
Director of Workforce Development

POSITION(S) REPORTING TO THIS POSITION: N/A

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM:
Services for New Americans

PRIMARY

LOCATION:

Worcester MA

FLSA Status:
Non-Exempt

Ascentria Care Alliance employees and volunteers take pride in the impact they have on the people they serve. It’s more than just a job, it’s an opportunity our employees have to care for and share in the lives of people who greatly need and appreciate their presence. Ascentria Care Alliance focuses on every child, elder, disabled person, refugee, endangered teen or teenage mom in order to build stronger communities one person at a time.

This is an excellent opportunity to enhance the operations of a $75m non-profit social services organization with programs throughout New England.

Summary:

The Services for New Americans employment team empowers resettled refugees to become economically self-sufficient. The Employment Counselor provides employment related assistance and counseling to refugees, develops and implements employment plans, conducts job searches, and trains clients on the essentials of participating in the US workforce. The Employment Counselor develops and maintains relationships with employers in order to help clients find suitable employment and obtain self-sufficiency.

The Employment Counselor is part of the broader Services for New Americans team serving refugees and provides other support as needed.

• Maintains relationships with current employers through frequent communication and coordination.
• Researches employment opportunities and trends; networks and develops relationships with potential employers; educates employers about the benefits of hiring refugees.
• Creates and supports connections with government agencies, business associations, faith communities and community members who may provide opportunities for clients to develop competencies, integrate learning and work, and to explore career possibilities.
• Engages in outreach to establish new employer and/or community partnerships.
• Serves as the contact for businesses, employers, and service agencies. Coordinates with agencies on services that refugees access and follows up on individual cases as needed.
• Promotes the program through community networking, and providing presentations; developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and partners.

• Conducts pre-employment orientation and budgeting sessions for newly arrived clients. Ensures that clients understand the benefits and responsibilities of the employment program in which they enroll.
• Assesses clients’ aptitudes, interests, work skills, work experience, education, and/or degree of limitations to identify opportunities and challenges to employment.
• Assists clients in developing an employment plan.
• Coaches and prepares clients for finding suitable employment by developing job-search skills, resumes, and effective interview skills. Infuses and reinforces job-related and/or vocational English.
• Assists clients with developing resumes, completing job applications, and arranging job interviews. Provides and/or arranges transportation and interpretation.
• Researches, develops, prepares career pathways and offers guidance and goal-setting to help clients with long-term career planning.
• Provides placement and post-placement services including onboarding and follow-up activities with employed refugees to support retention or job upgrades.
• Assists clients with overcoming barriers to work such as transportation, childcare, etc.
• Conducts post-employment budgeting sessions with clients.
• Provides exceptional customer service both verbally and face-to-face.
• Ensures that refugee clients are treated with respect, dignity and respect for…