Refugee Resettlement | Lead Employment Specialist

Catholic Charities is looking for the right people; people who wish to serve their community as a part of a family friendly organization doing good within the Houston-Galveston area. We attract and retain the best talent by investing in our employees. People of all faiths helping people in need.

The Refugee Resettlement Department assists refugees in Houston to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to reach self-sufficiency and live with dignity.

The Employment Specialist is responsible for employment intake and assessment, data entry, case notes, maintaining files and file reviews with the goal of assisting refugee clients to acquire jobs which promote self-sufficiency. The Lead Employment Specialist will mentor Employment Specialists and be a source of knowledge regarding program requirements. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to deliver presentations confidently, display strong leadership skills, and show enthusiasm and commitment to working with the refugee community.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES

• Collaborate with the Employment Supervisor to coordinate and maintain an effective employment process including intake and orientation process for all ORR-eligible clients.
• Lead and mentor a team of Employment Specialists, providing guidance and support to ensure effective client engagement. Provide constructive feedback to the supervisor regarding individual and team performance, suggesting improvements and recognizing achievements.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment that promotes open communication and professional development.
• Lead special projects that enhance the impact and efficiency of the Employment Program.
• Assist with providing intake, assessment, and individual employment plan for each employable client. Providing group and individual intensive job readiness orientations that provide clients with the basic skills required to enhance their employability. Determining specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assisting clients in accessing employment opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process. Schedule interviews for clients, assist with application, interview process, and assess status of clients after job placement for 30/60/90 days. Assisting clients and employers as necessary with post-placement issues and employment needs beyond initial employment. Provide translation services and transportation assistance for clients as needed in the course of securing a job.
• Track clients placed in jobs in RCA and RSS programs using RMS, Client Track, and internal spreadsheets. Verify into RMS and Client Track with enrollments, job referrals and job placements, review employment files with data entry and writing case notes and providing data reports. Maintain client files, labels and assuring completeness and accuracy of file documentation in compliance with funding requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Employment Supervisor, Program Manager, or Program Director. Attend meetings with other service providers, participate in staff retreats, United Way tours, and agency fairs and speaking engagements; assist with special organizational project/events, and other duties as assigned

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or GED
• Two (2) years of experience in an employment services or workforce development program
• Valid Texas Driver's License

SKILLS REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to give presentations to an audience.
• Demonstrated organizational and planning skills, attention to detail and capability to multi-task.
• Ability to understand program policies and make informed decisions regarding programs.
• Demonstrated success in dealing with a variety of people.
• An understanding of and sensitivity for other cultures is necessary.
• Ability to handle confidential client information.
• Ability to manage time and resources: Team player.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access)
• Knowledge of case notes processing, typing skills, data entry, report, and file maintenance.

Catholic Charities is an equal opportunity employer. We actively foster an environment that is free of racism, discrimination, bias, and harassment where all individuals are treated with dignity, safety, and respect. Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.

The work you do will help us advocate for the vulnerable among us, a network of support services to people of all ages and from all walks of life and religious backgrounds.

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