Employment and Career Support Specialist

1. Participant Assessment and Support:

• Conduct assessments to determine participant employment needs and barriers.

• Develop and implement individualized household economic stability plans, including employability assessments, budgeting, and employment strategies.

• Offer supportive services, such as transportation and childcare assistance, to help participants obtain and retain jobs.

2. Employment Preparation and Placement:

• Provide job preparation services, including resume building, mock interviews, workplace culture training, and access to work clothing.

• Support participants in job searching, interviewing, and securing jobs that align with their skills and economic needs.

• Conduct employer outreach to build relationships and networks that support job placements across various sectors.

3. Post-Employment Support:

• Offer continued support to participants post-employment to ensure job retention and resolve workplace issues, such as language barriers or employer concerns.

• Assist participants with career advancement and economic stability to facilitate upward mobility and achieve long-term career goals.

4. Employer Engagement:

• Actively engage with employers and stakeholders to develop outreach mechanisms and build new partnerships that benefit served populations.

• Collaborate with employers to facilitate job placements that match the participants’ skill levels and career aspirations.

5. Technology & Data Management:

• Use the Minnesota Refugee Information System (MRIS) or other designated data systems to track participant progress, job placements, and retention rates.

• Report on key outcomes, including job stability, economic upgrades, and long-term career success.

• Work with the Employment and Career Supports Collaborative Lead to develop standardized tools for assessing employability, setting career goals, and creating supportive action steps.

6. Community Representation & Collaboration:

• Represent or maintain active relationships within the communities served to ensure culturally relevant and responsive support.

• Build and maintain partnerships with employment and workforce partners to connect participants with meaningful career opportunities.

• Utilize digital platforms to engage employers, conduct outreach, and develop new partnerships.

• Experience in employment navigation, job search, preparation, and retention support.

• Expertise in working with diverse and underserved communities, including new arrivals and immigrants.

• Knowledge of culturally responsive approaches to employment and career planning.

• Strong ability to build relationships with community stakeholders and employers.

• Experience with data tracking and reporting systems like MRIS or similar platforms.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field preferred.

• Bilingual or multilingual skills in Spanish/Arabic are a plus.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital communication tools.

Founded in 2004, is a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing "Total Family Wellness". The organization serves individuals from South Asian countries, the Indo-Caribbean diaspora, and newly arrived Afghan, Central Asian and Syrian evacuees by providing tailored safety net services.

Mission: To promote comprehensive wellness for South Asian families in Minnesota.

Services: SEWA-AIFW offers a range of services, including:

• Health Initiatives: Free clinics, chronic disease management, mental health support, and nutritional consultations.

• Women’s Programs: Domestic violence prevention, support groups, legal aid, and monthly curated socials.

• LGBTQ+ Support: Advocacy, pride events, and peer support.

• Men’s Programs: Monthly curated sessions addressing social issues in the community.

• Youth Programs: Activities, podcasts, and the Brown Breakfast Club.

• Senior Support: SNAP, in-home care, and social engagement.

• New Americans Programs: Translation services, legal and medical support, digital literacy, and financial aid.

• Civic Engagement & Research: Addressing public issues, government relations, and research on adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

SEWA-AIFW strives to build a healthier, more connected South, Central Asian and North African community in Minnesota.

Please send your resume and cover letter to info@sewa-aifw.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

**This position is contingent on availability of grant funding. **