Career Development Specialist

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) in San Diego's Connect2Work Program empowers opportunity youth ages 16–24 to achieve economic mobility through education, career exploration, work-based learning, occupational skills training, and employment services.

Responsibilities

• Career Coaching & Case Management
• Conduct outreach, eligibility screening, intake, and enrollment.
• Complete assessments and develop Individual Service Strategies (ISS).
• Provide ongoing career coaching, case management, and goal monitoring.
• Cook up referrals and supportive services to address barriers to participation.
• Maintain regular contact with participants to promote engagement and successful outcomes.
• Employment & Career Development
• Deliver one-on-one and group instruction in work readiness, career exploration, job search, resume development, interviewing, and professional skills.
• Aid participants in identifying and securing employment, internships, apprenticeships, and other work-based learning opportunities.
• Provide post-placement coaching to support job retention and career advancement.
• Education & Training Navigation
• Support enrollment and persistence in secondary school completion, postsecondary education, occupational training, and credential programs.
• Monitor participant progress and coordinate resources that promote educational success.
• Employer & Community Engagement
• Build partnerships with employers, training providers, schools, and community organizations to expand career opportunities for youth.
• Coordinate work-based learning experiences, hiring events, and employer engagement activities.
• Program Administration & Compliance
• Maintain accurate case files and document participant services, outcomes, and activities in required databases.
• Track performance metrics and ensure compliance with WIOA, funder, and IRC requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field of study preferred.
• Relevant professional experience in the field of human services required; minimum of 3 years’ experience strongly preferred.
• Experience working with refugee and/or immigrant populations required.
• Demonstrated skills and competencies such as strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Self-starter with excellent problem-solving skills combined with the proven ability to multi-task, prioritize duties, and manage time effectively.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
• Fluent in English, both spoken and written; proficiency in language(s) spoken by local refugee and immigrant populations is strongly preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); ability to use the internet and other digital tools for data entry, research and problem-solving purposes.
• Valid driver’s license and access to a personal, insured vehicle; ability to drive an IRC passenger van.

Education

Standard, professional office environment, including the current hybrid mode of remote work within San Diego County and required in-office days and some 'field' time within the service delivery area to perform the above-outlined responsibilities. Office working environment is subject to change based on organization/business needs. Requires regular work from IRC's El Cajon and City Heights offices, with occasional travel throughout San Diego County to support program activities and community partnerships.

Working Environment

San Diego office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm, but will require occasional work during evenings and weekends.

Pay

(Pay Range: $23.00-26.80/hr)

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Equal Opportunity Employer

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.