Employment Specialist

Job DescriptionJob Description

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest is a non-profit organization with Corporate Offices in Phoenix and Tucson and additional offices throughout Arizona.

Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest administers programs and services to help build collaborative Community Partnerships and strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

Working for our organization is a positive, challenging and rewarding experience with opportunities for personal and professional development.

General Description:
The Employment Specialist works closely with all Case Managers in conducting and implementing the Self Sufficiency Plan with all refugee clients. The Employment Specialists collaborate with the Matching Grant Coordinator, in identifying clients who would be strong candidates for enrollment in this early employment program and fulfilling all program requirements. Employment Specialists are required to perform job development activities designed to identify employment opportunities for refugees and assist in the preparation and job placement of refugees. The Employment Specialist shall collaborate with designated staff in facilitating employment training sessions for clients in addition to aiding refugees in enrolling in appropriate employment services. Employment is recognized as one of the significant elements in successful resettlement, integration and self-sufficiency.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities include the following:

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1. Conduct all activities with a commitment to the organization's mission and strategic plan; focus efforts to inspire a client-centered approach to quality service delivery and operational excellence; uphold all policies and procedures.
2. Demonstrates understanding and knowledge of refugee contractual services for the successful resettlement of refugee families. This includes knowledge of the Cooperative Agreement and all contracts. Provide direct case management and support to target population which requires assistance entering or navigating State and local systems. Work with clients to increase their ability to navigate these systems independently.
3. Provide full range of employment services to refugees including assessment and employment orientation, pre-employment preparation and monitoring progress of employment plans for ongoing support and follow-up services.
4. Integrate employment services with Case Managers by using the Employability Plan for every employable family member, to provide a full range of services for the client.

15

1. Engages refugees in employment services.
2. Accompanies refugees to job sites for potential job placement and assists them with job placement application and other required documentation. Provides ongoing supportive services.
3. Provide and document post-employment support to the client (i.e. contacting client after the first two weeks of employment, 30-60-90-day anniversaries).

15

1. Develop new contacts with employers that are willing to hire clients with limited English proficiency (LEP) or no English skills.
2. Complete necessary post-employment follow-up with employers after the first two week of employment, 30-60-90-day anniversaries of the newly hired refugee.
3. Maintain relationship with employers who have hired clients to determine current openings and ensure that information is updated on a regular and timely basis into the Refugee Client Employment Database and Arizona Refugee Resettlement Program Online Data System (ARRPODS/Salesforce).
4. Update weekly employer meetings and/or site visits with clients in the Employment Team Outlook calendar.

15

1. Provide all case file documentation including case notes, utilizing internal databases and ARRPODS/Salesforce, for refugee employment services.
2. Complete program/client reporting requirements as needed for contract compliance.
3. Monitor progress of Employment/Self-Sufficiency Plan for all new refugee arrivals and note any consultation and/or services provided to the client.
4. Revise and/or update the Employment/Self Sufficiency Plan as this is a living document, and you may update and expand upon the plan as the client's situation evolves.

10

1. Participate in regular employment team meetings for case review, strategic planning and coordination of employment services.
2. Share best practices and concerns with Case Managers, Matching Grant Coordinator and other supportive programs offered through LSS SW Refugee and Immigration Services, for a holistic approach for refugee client.

10

1. Maintain current knowledge of Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or participating ORR-funded programs (ex. Match Grant) or other Public and Private Partnerships.
2. Gain thorough knowledge of required program services of Matching Grant to a level of administrative competency.

5

1. Participate in performance-related goal setting and achievement.
2. Collaborate with designated staff members in compiling information for reporting requirements for LIRS and State Refugee Resettlement Program reports.

2.5Maintain an established work schedule, including a high level of self-direction and responsibility. May include State and National travel.2.5Follow internal protocol immediately about safety, health, and the environment of the member and employee workspace and workplace equipment.
2.5Maintain current status for professional credentials. Present a professional attitude and wear professional attire at all times.2.5All other duties as assigned.5Participate in performance-related goal setting, program outputs or measures in order to achieve program objectives therefore ensuring cultural and social integration and self- sufficiency in receiving communities.

Qualifications Requirements:
To perform this job successfully, the individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience, Ability

• Bachelor's Degree in education social work, psychology, sociology or a closely related field is preferred. Four years related education or social service experience, preferably working with immigrant populations, and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for a Bachelor's Degree. Ability to participate as a member of a team, including collaboration, cross-training, and mutual assistance.
• Provide and maintain a current Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card, clear the Department of Economic Security Central Registry Background Check and a criminal background and motor vehicle screening; must maintain valid AZ Driver's License, a clear driving record and reliable transportation for the duration of employment.
• Must have a clear driving record for at least 36 months
• Must maintain a clear driving record during the time of employment.
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid AZ driver license and current automobile insurance.
• Ability to work independently with high initiative.
• Ability to travel to throughout the state or nationally as requested by supervisor

Language Skills:
Individual must have the ability to speak, read and write English. Ability to listen and perceive needs, working with people from diverse backgrounds non-judgmentally. Bilingual preferred.

Mathematical Skills
Ability to calculate figures and amounts.

Reasoning Ability
Ability to define problems, collect data, evaluate information, draw conclusions, and take appropriate action based on this information.

Physical Demands/Work Environment
The physical demands and work environment characteristics here are representative of those that needed by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods. The employee frequently is required to use hands to hold objects and operate office equipment.
• The employee is required to be able to listen and communicate effectively.
• The employee may be required to occasionally lift and/or move up to {25} pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment varies with the activity level of the facility.
• If authorized to drive, must be able to safely operate a motor vehicle.

All positions at Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest require a background check.

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