The Employment Specialist I will help refugees and parolees of diverse backgrounds achieve self-sufficiency by connecting them to employment opportunities; liaise with employers and potential employers to find suitable employment opportunities for the refugees and parolees served.

Responsibilities

• Research and initiate contact with potential employers and maintain relationships with current employer partners.
• Research and identify job openings, complete job applications, arrange interviews, and negotiate placements.
• Facilitate client intakes and service plans. Based on those intakes and service plans, build resumes and screen clients to best match clients with available jobs.
• Assist with employment orientation as needed.
• Schedule and hold interview prep sessions with individuals or groups of clients as necessary.
• Counsel clients individually on various aspects of US work culture, employer expectations, and workplace norms.
• Counsel clients on public transportation routes to and from work. Escort clients on public transportation when necessary.
• Counsel clients on appropriate clothing for interviews and work, taking clients to purchase clothes and shoes if necessary.
• Assist clients in communicating with and conveying information to HR managers and supervisors.
• Maintain timely and accurate client files, case notes, and reporting records.
• Monitor clients’ progress post-employment offering support as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from four-year college or university.
• Cross-cultural experience/experience working with refugee and immigrant clients preferred.
• Knowledge of employment landscape in the city of Chicago and surrounding suburbs preferred.
• Multi-tasking is an essential element of the work, balancing work with other staff to coordinate services, supporting client’s entry into employment and entering
  client data in several reporting database systems.
• Excellent problem-solving and conflict resolution skills; ability to assess, analyze, and respond to changing realities appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Ability to manage multiple demands and deadlines with flexibility.
• Strong ability to work independently, remain focused, productive, and accomplish goals in a challenging, fluid and sometimes unpredictable environment.
• Strong team player who demonstrates commitment and the ability to collaborate effectively with other team members and volunteers.