Employment Specialist - 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 purpose of the Employer Engagement Navigator is to support newcomers enrolled in the Employer Engagement Program in developing and implementing individualized career plans to secure professional or skilled employment based on their interests, skills, & experience, as well as the demand for certain career fields in the Lancaster area. The goal of the program is long-term self-sufficiency through career pathways and workforce development opportunities in partnership with local employers. This is a very hands-on employment opportunity and will require the use of reliable transportation. The position reports to the Job Readiness Supervisor.

Responsibilities:

Essential Duties:

1. Conducts outreach to identify eligible clients through contacts with other CWS (in-house) programs, the Department of Public Assistance, local employers, mutual assistance associations, ethnic churches, mosques, temples, and other social service agencies for enrollment in the Employer Engagement program.
2. Determines clients’ eligibility for the program and identifies specific needs and qualifications, including English language ability, transferable job skills, personal objectives, and barriers to employment through intake and assessment process. 
3. Identifies, creates, and manages ongoing employer relationships, focusing on career pathways and Employer Engagement program goals. Assist EEP grantee partners in maintaining productive and supportive employer partnerships throughout the program period and in accordance to established Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
4. Creates and presents workshops for employer partners on refugee topics including cultural competency, refugee 101, workforce development, employment trends and needs.
5. Provides individualized job placement services to program participants.  Develops a plan of action to achieve program goals and conducts regularly check-ins to assess progress. Works with clients to remove any barriers to employment and outlined career pathways.
6. Assists clients with identifying training and apprenticeship programs related to their career goals and makes necessary referrals.
7. Provides (when appropriate) and supports employment-related translation and interpretation for clients with limited English proficiency.
8. Records clients’ progress in case file, including compliance, job offers, all placements, job retention, public assistance usage, follow-up on placements, and possibilities of upgrades.  Completes all required reports.
9. Identifies other support services that may assist clients in becoming self-sufficient, such as classes for English as a Second Language, transportation, immigration services, and childcare, and makes appropriate referrals.
10. Provide program updates and highlights to fellow team members during check-ins and staff meetings.
11. Coordinate with EEP staff at our grant partner, the IU13, on referrals, services, resources, and program strategy.

Common Duties:

 

1. Advocates on behalf of refugees, and refugee-serving voluntary agencies
2. Keep informed about refugee and immigrant issues, and available services to clients, using current information to better identify and serve refugee clients.
3. Represent the program at meetings and speaking engagements relevant to the responsibilities of the position.
4. Develops and maintain 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.  
5. Attends and supports key CWS Lancaster activities and events, including World Refugee Day, Community & Volunteer Appreciation events, and the ExtraOrdinary Give.  
6. Performs all duties in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
7. Undertakes other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree or two years of college with two years’ work experience in refugee resettlement.

 

Experience:  Previous work experience and interest in refugee resettlement or other direct social services.  Ability to provide culturally sensitive counseling and case management is required.

 

Other Skills:

Fluency in English is required, with superior written and verbal communication skills. Knowledge of Dari, Farsi, Pashto, Arabic, Somali, Swahili, Haitian Creole, Spanish Russian and Ukrainian are highly preferred. The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, and Word) and Internet applications.  Own car and a valid driver’s license with a clean driving history is highly preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Must have access to reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with insurable record. Must be able to keep a clean driving record.
• This is an in-person position, with possibility of hybrid schedule.

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 Off after 2 Years)  - 14 Official Holidays  - 12 Sick Days Off (Accrued monthly)                                      - Life Insurance and AD&D                                             - Long Term and Short-Term Disability                                                  - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)                                                 - Health Savings Account                                               - Flexible Spending Accounts      - Commuter Benefits