Employment and Career Support Specialist
Location: Brooklyn Center, MN - On-site with local travel within the community.
Employment Type: Full-Time/Part-Time
Position Summary:
The Employment and Career Support Specialist will assist diverse jobseekers in achieving financial stability, economic mobility, and long-term career success. This role involves assessing participant needs, providing culturally responsive employment navigation support, preparing participants for job opportunities, and fostering partnerships with employers and workforce stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:
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.
Qualifications:
-
· 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 are a plus.
Skills:
-
· 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.
About SEWA:
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.
How to Apply:
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. **