Employment Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Are you a person of compassion? An advocate for justice? Someone who stands up for the rights of the vulnerable and speaks out for the marginalized, the exploited and the forgotten?  Do you believe in our calling as Christians to welcome the least of these and love our neighbor?

If you answered ‘yes’, to any of the above, World Relief, and millions of people around the world need you.

The Ukrainian Employment Specialist position will provide critical supportive services and counsel to Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees as they search for initial employment. This position assists clients through employment counseling that includes resume, application, and interview preparation assistance, and utilizing employer connections to facilitate job placements. The Employment Specialist will also assist in maintaining and expanding an employer network.

 

Local candidates only (must be able to commute to local office)

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Provide employment counseling to clients that may include individual meetings, informing about job prospects, following up on job leads, and coordinating interview scheduling.
• Provide direct assistance with resumes, applications, interviews, job offer paperwork, and ongoing mediation with employers.
• Collaborate with clients to develop individualized employment plans that include an assessment of family circumstances, employable skills, existing barriers to employment, and action steps for moving forward.
• Provide counseling on topics such as available job opportunities for low-English speakers, pay rate expectations, and expectations regarding commute time.
• Counsel clients on American workplace culture as well as laws and regulations.
• Satisfying documentation and reporting requirements in accordance with state and federal grant standards.
• Develop contacts and relationships with new employers to increase interest in hiring WRC program participants as well as maintain and strengthen existing employer relationships.
• Maintain accurate case files and case notes for program participants.
• Work collaboratively with other members of the Family Services Department to creatively address barriers to self-sufficiency.
• Attend department and office-wide meetings.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Highly self-motivated with strong follow-through and ability to work independently
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent interpersonal and relational skills to be utilized both in client interaction as well as employer connections.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to maintain accurate record keeping of client interactions; able to follow through independently on projects and assignments.
• Demonstrated ability to multi-task and exercise critical thinking skills
• Strong mediation and problem-solving skills
• Cross-cultural experience and/or knowledge of the refugee/immigrant experience
• Willingness to advocate on behalf of clients with employers
• Understanding of the U.S. employment market, particularly in Chicago, or strong interest in learning
• Valid Driver’s License preferred

 

REQUIREMENTS:

Mature and personal Christian faith
Committed to the mission, vision, and values of World Relief
Desire to serve and empower the Church to impact vulnerable communities
Able to affirm and/or acknowledge World Reliefs Core Beliefs, Statement of Faith, Christian Identity and National Evangelicals For the Health of The Nation document
Fluent in Ukrainian and Russian
Microsoft Office skills required
Bachelor’s degree or at least one year experience in an office environment required
Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends