Job Title: Employment and Refugee Cash Assistance Specialist
Job Overview:
The Employment and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) Specialist plays a crucial role in supporting newly arrived refugees and qualified immigrants in achieving self-sufficiency through employment. This position involves guiding clients through employment preparation, coordinating job placements, and providing career advancement services. The Specialist will also screen potential participants for the RCA Program, assess their ongoing eligibility, determine monthly benefits, document eligibility reviews, and manage case closures.
Key Responsibilities:
Employment Services:
- Conduct employability assessments and provide orientation for clients eligible for employment services. Develop tailored employment plans and budget strategies for each adult client.
- Offer job readiness coaching and assist clients in their job search while connecting them with suitable job opportunities.
- Build and maintain long-term relationships with local employers and staffing agencies to identify job openings for clients.
- Address post-placement issues and ongoing employment needs for both clients and employers.
- Monitor client job performance, wage levels, and related metrics, documenting each interaction in accordance with program requirements.
- Collaborate with coworkers and partner organizations to enhance service delivery and support clients effectively.
- Utilize a personal, insured vehicle or public transportation to travel within the service area as needed.
- May supervise and train support staff, volunteers, and interns.
Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA):
- Assess eligibility for families applying for the RCA Program and complete enrollments for qualified clients.
- Conduct monthly meetings with enrolled families to verify eligibility and ensure understanding of program rules.
- Determine clients’ employability status to classify them as mandatory or non-mandatory for employment.
- Request monthly cash assistance and vendor payments, reviewing ongoing eligibility in line with IRC and Colorado Refugee Services Program guidelines.
- Distribute monthly checks or payments to clients as per IRC financial protocols.
- Maintain an up-to-date case log with detailed service provision records and ensure all relevant documents are filed appropriately.
- Coordinate with direct service staff to document changes in case status, including employment updates and family circumstances.
- Serve as the primary contact for IRC staff regarding policy application to unique client situations.
Working Relationships:
- Reports to: Early Employment Supervisor
- Supervises: May oversee interns and volunteers assisting with employment services.
Job Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field is preferred.
Experience:
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience in workforce development is strongly preferred.
- Experience working with refugee or immigrant populations is highly desirable.
- Familiarity with job placement and readiness training is an advantage.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong relationship-building, diplomacy, and networking skills.
- Proven ability to communicate effectively in a multicultural environment.
- Self-starter with excellent problem-solving abilities and time management skills.
- Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
- Proficiency in English (spoken and written); knowledge of additional languages spoken by clients is a plus.
- Competent in Microsoft Office applications and capable of using digital tools for data entry and research.
- Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle.
Working Environment:
- Combination of office work, remote tasks, and fieldwork within the service area.
- May require occasional evening or weekend hours.
Compensation:
- Pay Range: $24 – $25 per hour, based on various factors including location, experience, and skills.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and consider all applicants based on merit without discrimination.
Professional Standards:
All employees are expected to adhere to the core values of integrity, service, equality, and accountability, following policies on safeguarding and ethical conduct.
US Benefits:
We offer a competitive benefits package, including paid time off, medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement plans, and an Employee Assistance Program.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through our website.
