Program Coordinator - Ona Job Coach

The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) supports people who have lost or left their homes. For over 100 years, the unwavering commitment of our leadership, team, network of service providers, and advocates has helped redirect the destiny of countless vulnerable lives. In neighborhoods, in Washington, and around the world, we break down barriers and demand justice for refugees and immigrants as they successfully integrate into new communities. We provide essential social and legal services to rebuild productive lives, turning tragedy into prosperity. We are a purpose driven organization with a mission to protect the rights and address the needs of persons in forced or voluntary migration worldwide and supporting their transition to a dignified life. To learn more about our work, please visit our website at www.refugees.org.

OVERVIEW

The ONA Job Coach will implement a program funded by the New York State Office for New Americans (ONA). The ONA Job Coach will conduct recruiting, initial screening, job placement, and provide ongoing direct support to low- income immigrant job candidates participating in the NYS Professional Pathways for High-Skilled Immigrants program. The successful candidate will identify and assist with the workforce training needs of low-income immigrants in collaboration with, and support from, the Professional Pathways Lead Agency, and will network with local employers to target specific industries and ensure that the NYS Professional Pathways for High-Skilled Immigrants program is directly meeting regional workforce needs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the ONA Job Coach will be responsible for maintaining existing employer relationships and developing new employment opportunities by proactively networking with potential employers and explaining the benefits of employing immigrants.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Conduct initial screening of each candidate recruited, which includes verification of income eligibility and work authorization and a review of documentation of prior education and experience abroad;
• Collect and verify documentation on the educational and employment histories of each candidate using professional translation services to assist with documentation translation as needed;
• Coordinate with the Professional Pathways Lead Agency to follow up with candidates who are selected by the Professional Pathways Lead Agency for the program and assist with onboarding job seekers for additional training and credentialing;
• For candidates who are not selected as participants, assist the Professional Pathways Lead Agency with referring them to any other free services they may require, such as English language training or legal consultations, maintaining a referral list for the service region;
• Directly support selected participants through activities such as assisting with resumes and cover letters, holding mock interviews with each participant, discussing the opportunities and challenges of employment in the U.S., and providing guidance on how to search for a job, how to network, job retention tips, and exploring local industry opportunities;
• Organize individual coaching sessions with each immigrant participant a minimum of four times per quarter and track and report on the outcomes of these meetings;
• Support participants in need of additional English language skills-building for professional purposes by making referrals to existing English language courses and resources for training including in job specific technical language; also maintain tracking and reporting on progress made by each candidate who is referred for local English classes or other resources;
• Place participants directly with employers that have been identified through the analysis conducted by the Professional Pathways Lead Agency of industry labor needs in the region;
• Once placed with an employer, conduct ongoing check-ins with each participant, including an initial assessment call and a two-month call to conduct continued program eligibility assessment, documenting these calls and case notes in a log;
• Track and report on the number of job placements and career advances for each participant; also track and report on the number of low-income immigrant participants who, as a result of the program, reduced or avoided relying exclusively on public assistance;
• Engage in ongoing outreach and networking with workforce development boards and regional employers to identify emerging industry needs and potential employer partners; also track and report on opportunities with employers and industries that have the capacity and interest in hiring and retaining low-income immigrant workers.
• Maintain case files and submit written reports as required; and
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned by supervisor.

All of the above duties and responsibilities are essential job functions subject to reasonable accommodation. Job duties indicated are not exhaustive and other job-related duties may be assigned as required by the supervisor(s).

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience;
• Demonstrated previous experience working with low-income communities;
• An understanding of the needs of low-income immigrants in the proposed region;
• Experience with employer outreach, recruitment, and job placements;
• Knowledge of the region and its economy, and the services provided to low-income immigrants through not- for-profit organizations and other entities with a particular focus on workforce development;
• A history of developing effective collaborative relationships with workforce development partners, employers, not-for-profit organizations and other entities;
• Experience coaching and mentoring immigrant clients;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate and build lasting relationships and partnerships with clients, employers, partners and field office staff;
• Proficient in the use of MS Word, MS Access, MS Excel and database programs;
• Must have a valid state-issued driver's license, automobile insurance, clean driving record and reliable personal transportation;
• Must pass a criminal background and other screening requirements;
• Ability to travel locally as required;
• Demonstrated support of USCRI’s values by exhibiting respect for others, maintenance of confidential information and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace;
• Fluency in one of the key languages used by population is preferred (includes but is not limited to: Swahili, Farsi, Pashto, Urdu, Arabic, Karen, Burmese, Russian), proficiency in additional languages a plus;
• Candidate must have dedication to the human rights of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers and displaced people; and
• Demonstrated support of USCRI’s values by exhibiting respect for others, maintenance of confidential information and an appreciation of a multicultural workplace.

It is expected that ONA Job Coaches will spend approximately 50 percent of their time on employer outreach, recruitment, and job placements, 40 percent on job seeker recruitment and coaching, and 10 percent on participation in local workforce development boards and other grant activities as needed.

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

• Satisfactory completion of USCRI’s Orientation and Training;
• Complete additional training as identified by supervisor or Human Resources.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity;
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting and standing, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands; and
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.

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

ADDITIONAL NOTES

Please submit a resume with cover letter describing your interest and qualifications with your online application. References will be required at time of the final interview.

No telephone calls please. Position will remain open until filled.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants is an equal opportunity employer.