Employment Services Specialist - Center For New Americans

Position Title: Employment Services Specialist

Department: Center for New Americans

Reports To: Employment Services Senior Manager

Category: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Date Created: October 2016, Rev. June 2023, Rev. April 2024

Pay Rate: $43,680

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Agency Mission

"InterFaith Works affirms the dignity of each person and every faith community, promotes racial justice and religious equity, and builds relationships and understanding among us."

Agency Vision Statement

"InterFaith Works builds bridges of understanding to affirm the dignity of all people in Central New York. Working with the different faith communities and the diversity of the region's people, we address deeply embedded social divisions. Informed and influenced by the values and ethics of the faith traditions, we work with the community to find common ground on its issues. Using the tools of interfaith and cross-cultural dialogue, we create life-changing experiences that lead to actions for the creation of a more equitable and loving community.

Overview to the Program Area

InterFaith Works' Center for New Americans (CNA) has been in operation for almost 45 years, resettling newly arriving refugees from areas of the world where war, conflict, and political repression have forced mass relocation of people from their homelands. Refugees are annually certified by the United Nations, and accepted by the US government, then settled in communities across the country, Syracuse being one of these. CNA provides support for the first 90-days and meets the refugee/family at the airport, secures and furnishes an affordable apartment, provides immediate spending cash, food, and safety training, then assists the refugee/family in enrolling in school to learn English, in getting connected to medical services, and in preparing for and securing employment. Additional services beyond the 90-days are provided for refugees depending on grant funding for a variety of issues such as citizenship, intensive employment support, integration into neighborhoods, medical and mental health case management, and family literacy. CNA also works to help newly forming ethnic community based organizations establish themselves to support the newly arriving refugees.

Position Summary:

Conduct job readiness sessions as required (presently 3 sessions in 2 weeks) and employment intake to evaluate language skills, level of education and work experience. Develop resumes for clients, interview preparation, and preparation for US norms in the workplace, and transportation to initial job interview. Follow up with employers as required, notify DSS after client receives first paystub, update case notes all employment activities and complete database entries into the BIN system, employment placement files and report information for Bureau for Refugee Services (BRS, formerly known as BRIA) RSSP funding.

Qualifications

• Candidate should have knowledge of local resources and employers with entry level positions, and experience in case management and employment assistance, preferably with refugee populations

• Three years' experience preferred in employment services, excellent oral and written communication skills, familiarity with Syracuse area and employers, and experience working in cross-cultural contexts

• College degree in a related field or equivalent work experience

• Valid New York State driver's license and reliable transportation

• Bilingual or multilingual capability beneficial, with preference for a current or projected refugee caseload language (Burmese, Dari, Karenni, Karen, Pashtu or Spanish)

• Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite

• Working conditions and physical demands required:

The demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to travel regularly throughout the service delivery area (employer visits, interviews, service provider visits etc.) at least 50% of the time using reliable transportation, traversing streets, ascending/descending stairs, and exposed to outside weather conditions

• Remain in a stationary position at a work station and use a computer approximately 40% of the time

• Ability to frequently sit for long periods attending meetings/trainings

Essential Functions

Job Skills Training

• Assess clients' functional skills and develop plans for employment based on realistic picture of current job market and clients' intentions and interests

• Prepare clients for employment (resume, interviewing and , job readiness skills)

• Assist clients in resolving problems in living that interfere with obtaining or retaining employment

• Link clients to community resources that assist the client in obtaining or retaining employment, including job training programs

• Develop and deliver employment-related training for refugees

Job Placement

• Identify job placement and career advancement opportunities for clients; work with the client to develop career goals

• Accompany or transport trainees to job interviews

• Follow up with employers to answer questions and assess the outcome of the interview

• Monitor and support employment placement of clients, including mediating between the employer and client to mitigate issues and facilitate retention of employee

• Attend job fairs with clients

Employer Development

• Develop employment possibilities for clients through local employers

• Continually work to increase the number of employers hiring refugees

• Conduct outreach presentations with local employers to explain the benefits of hiring our clients.

• Assess vacancies and work with team to develop client training geared to these opportunities

• Develop and maintain database of employers interested in our clients

Case Management

• Follow case management plans and maintain detailed service records

• Document work, keeping case records, data-bases and other funding required records as needed

Reporting & Protocols

• Prepare timely required reports for various funding sources

• Maintain strict confidentiality of client information

• Work as a team member with other program staff

Community and Public Relations

• Develop and maintain relationships with business, government, and non-profit partners

• Participate in appropriate community organizations and coalitions that further the work

• Work collegially with other organizations that assist refugees

Special projects and other duties as assigned.

To Apply: Please send cover letter and resume to Melissa Morral at mmorral@ifwcny.org.