Employment Coordinator - Church World Service

About CWS:

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. 

Purpose:

The Employment Coordinator is responsible for leading and overseeing the daily operations of the area, including promoting CWS-Orange County RSS employment program with local employers and economic development partners; advocating for the employment of CWS clients; supervising the work of employment specialists; compiling data and completing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports. The position includes staff oversight duties and reports to the Associate Director of Integration.

Responsibilities:

Essential Duties as Employment Coordinator:

• Oversees and coordinates the job placement component of employment services provided to clients in the Refugee Social Services (RSS) Program, by employment specialists, program interns and volunteers in the Garden Grove office.
• Leads the team as they review client skill sets, household stability needs, and career goals to inform job applications and placements in the community. Works with the team to ensure barriers to obtaining and retaining employment are addressed. This may be in coordination with other CWS programs, community service providers, volunteers, and or other community support.
• Support the team as they promote the growth and career advancement of interested clients through follow-up check ins and job upgrade placements.
• Works with staff, employers, and key stakeholders in the local community to ensure that eligible clients reach the goals of self-sufficiency in a timely manner.
• Promotes teamwork, coordinates the workload of employment specialists, and delegates responsibilities. Communicates regularly with the Economic Empowerment Manager.
• Identifies employers in area served through current contacts, local Chambers of Commerce and outreach to other business and manufacturing organizations. Conduct check-ins with employers to help address client needs and support ongoing, positive and collaborative partnerships. Engages in professional working groups relevant to working with the refugee and immigrant population and as necessary to maintain professional knowledge. This includes maintaining contact with the State Refugee Coordinator, contracted partners, and attending required meetings to provide program updates.
• In consultation with the Economic Opportunity Manager, addresses emergency situations as they arise and mediates conflict as necessary.
• Works with the Economic Opportunity Manager to provide ongoing training to staff on program developments and service requirements. Leads program area meetings and conducts check-ins regularly with direct reports to assess job performance, acknowledge accomplishments, and areas of continued growth.
• Conducts regular reviews of client case files to ensure quality in service provision and fulfillment of documentation requirements.
• Leads the team in performing all duties in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
• Responsible for collecting data and submitting required monthly, quarterly and annual RSS reports to CWS and the state.
• Provides programmatic information for the development of grant applications and new programs on behalf of the CWS-Orange County Office’s Employment Program. Ensures fulfillment of any current grant requirements, including submittal of work statements and renewal applications as necessary.
• Provides input to budgets based on Job Placement area needs in coordination with Associate Director of Economic Opportunity Manager.
• Supports the development and expansion of the Job placement and employment Program for CWS-Orange County.

Common Duties:

• Assists the office’s efforts to build relationships with local and regional funders and supports grant writing and submission for program area.
• Regularly assesses opportunities for volunteer and/or community engagement in program area; builds robust and comprehensive community relationships with individuals, organizations, businesses and non-profits to ensure continued support for refugees and immigrants. 
• Develops and maintains a strong understanding of current refugee and immigrant issues via trainings, webinars, media, and others, using current information to better serve clients and to educate the broader community about refugees and immigrants.
• Raises awareness about immigration and refugee issues and increases CWS-Orange County’s visibility in the community through speaking engagements.
• Represents CWS in meetings and in interactions with other agencies.
• Promotes staff safety and well-being and contributes to the development and review of office procedures that enhance office culture.
• Advocates on behalf of refugees, immigrants, and refugee-serving voluntary agencies. 
• Attends and supports key CWS Orange County’s activities and events, including World Refugee Day, International Friendsgiving, and community and volunteer appreciation events. 
• Attends local and national training conferences as instructed by the Office Director.
• Work varied hours including some night and weekend work.
• Assists Economic Opportunity Manager in any duties he/she deems necessary. Undertake other duties as assigned.

 

 

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree. 

 

Experience: Minimum of 4 years work experience and interest in refugee resettlement or other direct social services.  Ability to provide culturally sensitive counseling and case management is required.  Minimum of 2 years supervisory experience is required.

 

 

Other Skills:  Fluency in a refugee language (Nepali, Burmese, Dari, Arabic, Swahili, French, Spanish or other) is preferred along with superior written and verbal communication skills. The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word and Access) and internet applications. Strong organizational and time management skills are required.  Must have a car and a valid driver’s license. 

Special Requirements:

• Fluency in English is required, proficiency in a primary refugee language preferred.
• Must be able to travel frequently and independently throughout relevant region. Valid US drivers’ license and clean driving record are required.
• Must be able to work evenings and weekends as required.

Benefits :CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:    - 403 (b) Retirement Plan                                               - Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance                                                  - Generous Paid Time Off (18 Paid Days Off; 24 Days after 2 Years)  - 14 Official Holidays  - Sick Time Off (12 Accrued monthly)                                      - Life Insurance and AD&D                                             - Long Term and Short-Term Disability                                                  - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)                                                 - Health Savings Account                                               - Flexible Spending Accounts