Employment Specialist (Birmingham)

Job Summary:

The Employment Specialist will conduct job development and facilitate job placement for refugees, asylees, Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) holders, and Afghan Humanitarian Parolees to help them become financially self-sufficient. To fulfill these responsibilities, he or she will cultivate relationships with employers and with employment-related community resources, including area businesses, private employment agencies, and the local or state Department of Labor. Appropriate documentation of job development and placement services is considered part of service provision. Pre- and post-placement services should be provided to both employers and clients. Additional duties that may be assigned include writing reports, creating employment program materials, and updating orientation curricula.

Essential Responsibilities / Accountabilities:

• Identifies and contacts appropriate employers who will provide quality employment opportunities at market rates in suitable work sites
• Portrays Inspiritus employment programs as a reliable staffing source
• Documents each employer contact and all employer information as directed by funder and program management staff
• Interviews clients and assesses their education, marketable job skills, career goals, and individual barriers to employment
• Orients groups of clients to the U.S. workplace and to area job market
• Assists clients (or refers for assistance) with online job searches and applications
• Interacts with clients to ensure a suitable match between a client and a potential employer.
• Assists in enrolling clients in the appropriate employment programs at Inspiritus (DHS or Matching Grant), provides employment orientation, and ESL instruction as needed
• Transports clients to job interviews or arranges alternative transportation
• Interprets for clients as required or arranges for interpretation
• Conducts appropriate post-employment follow-up in order to ensure job retention and continued employment for newly arrived clients and clients in the US less than 5 years
• Writes comprehensive case notes to document activities on behalf of each client and enters each clients employment data in the database(s)
• Documents all services provided to clients in appropriate database(s)
• Contacts employer and client after client placement to identify and help resolve any problems
• Contributes to maintaining each clients DHS and/or Matching Grant file
• Coordinates activities and with related Refugee Services programs to ensure provision of high-quality services offered with efficiency and economy
• Provides back-up services for other Employment staff and for other Refugee Services staff as appropriate
• Performs the above duties at out-posted locations as assigned
• Evaluates and updates employment training materials as needed in conjunction with supervisor
• Develops marketing and outreach materials for employers and clients in conjunction with supervisor and Resource Development Department
• Maintains personal and professional boundaries in the performance of the job
• Forges mutually respectful partnerships with clients, co-workers, and employers
• Participates in Inspiritus functions and public relations activities
• Participates in in-service training and conferences related to the programs
• Conforms with and abides by all regulations, policies, work procedures and instructions
• Complies with the various federal, state or local laws that apply to and regulate their job duties

Non-Essential Responsibilities / Accountabilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned to meet program needs

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Financial Responsibilities: None

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree in a social service or business field and minimum of two years of previous direct work experience in employment, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English
• Experience working in a culturally diverse environment
• Ability to balance the needs of the client and the employer
• Conviction about the capacity of people to grow and change
• Ability to set limits and maintain the helping role of the practitioner
• Excellent computer skills, accurate typing, and knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Must own a personal multi-passenger vehicle, hold a valid Georgia Drivers license, have a good driving record, and have appropriate personal auto insurance
• Must have the ability to communicate with all persons in a culturally competent manner.
• Must be sensitive to the service populations cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

Desired Qualifications:

• Sales, recruiting, and/or non-profit job development experience preferred
• Familiarity with major area employers, public transportation, and neighborhoods
• Experience with human services programs
• Reads, writes, and speaks a relevant foreign language

Success Factors:

• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Proactive problem solver
• Ability to adapt quickly to changing conditions
• Ability to respond positively to clients and employers
• Excellent follow-through with commitments
• Professional manner, speech and dress
• Ability to work in a team environment with a diverse group of people

Physical Demands: Regularly required to talk and hear in person and on the telephone. Required to stand, walk, sit, use hand to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls: and reach with hands and arms to operate computer and other office equipment. Required to operate a personal vehicle. Employee frequently lifts and or moves up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Working Conditions: While performing the responsibilities of this job, the employee travels by personal motor vehicle and is exposed to changing weather conditions. May perform job functions at out-posted locations as assigned.