Job Details
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.
What you'll love about us:- Time off: Paid time off varies by position - can include vacation days, sick days, paid federal holidays, and paid Jewish holidays.
- Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance. 401(k) with base contribution and match. Additional health and wellness benefits, financial benefits, professional training, tuition reimbursement, 6 weeks paid parental leave, and much more.
- Compensation: The minimum compensation for this position is $40,000 annually.
JCFS Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran. JCFS Chicago provides a reasonable accommodation to those who need assistance in completing this application. JCFS Chicago is committed to serving the needs of the diverse Chicago metropolitan area.Accredited by COA, Charter member of CWLA, licensed by DCFS.