Employment Specialist

: Employment Specialist

: New American Program

: Non-Exempt, Temporary

$21.00-$23.00 per hour

: Employment Coordinator

: Springfield-based

Jewish Family Service of Western Massachusetts is seeking an Employment Specialist to join our multicultural New American Program team. The Refugee Employment Specialist, reporting to the Employment Coordinator, plays a crucial role in assisting refugees in gaining meaningful employment, achieving economic self-sufficiency, and accessing essential services. This position is grant funded; anticipated end date is 9/30/2026.

Responsibilities:

1. Client Assessment and Individualized Planning:

· Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' skills, experience, and goals from diverse backgrounds.

· Develop tailored employment and settlement plans for clients, considering their unique needs and circumstances.

2. Job Placement and Support:

· Collaborate with employers and local businesses to identify job opportunities suitable for clients from different immigrant groups.

· Assist clients in preparing for job interviews, creating resumes, and enhancing their job search skills.

· Facilitate job placements and provide ongoing support to clients in their new roles.

3. Client Support:

· Accompany clients to job interviews, acting as an advocate and interpreter as needed.

· Advocate for clients with employers to ensure they have equal opportunities, fair treatment and good performance.

· Conduct regular check-ins at job placement sites to assess clients' progress and address any issues.

4. Daycare Placements:

· Work with clients to identify suitable daycare options for their children, ensuring their ability to participate in the workforce.

· Establish partnerships with local daycare providers to secure placements for clients.

5. Education and Training Collaboration:

· Collaborate closely with the Learning and Job Skills team to help clients access educational and job skill development opportunities.

· Connect clients with relevant training programs, language classes, and resources.

6. Cultural Competency and Employer Engagement:

· Build and maintain relationships with local employers through consistent provision of services and relationship building.

· Outreach to new employers to seek additional positions for newcomer clients.

· Foster cultural sensitivity and understanding among clients, employers, and community partners.

· Provide cultural competency information to employers to create inclusive workplaces.

7. Data Management and Reporting:

· Maintain accurate records of client interactions, job placements, daycare placements, and program outcomes.

· Prepare and submit regular reports to the Employment Coordinator as required.

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience preferred

• Ability to work respectfully in a multicultural environment

• Preference for candidates who are fluent in one or more of the following refugee languages: Swahili or French.

• Organized with great attention to detail and great flexibility

• Able to work independently and effectively as a team member in a fast-paced environment

• Reliable and responsible for attending all appointments and meetings scheduled

• Access to a car and driver’s license and willingness to transport clients to/from appointments/events required

Job Types: Full-time, Temporary

Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $21 - $23