Career Development Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) empowers opportunity youth to achieve economic mobility through education, career exploration, work-based learning, occupational skills training, and employment services.

About the role

The IRC in San Diego's Connect2Work Program empowers opportunity youth ages 16–24 to achieve economic mobility through a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based approach. The Career Development Specialist provides comprehensive case management, career coaching, and workforce navigation services to youth facing barriers to education and employment, including refugees, immigrants, English learners, justice-involved youth, youth experiencing homelessness, foster youth, parenting youth, and other opportunity youth.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach, eligibility screening, intake, and enrollment.
• Complete assessments and develop Individual Service Strategies (ISS).
• Provide ongoing career coaching, case management, and goal monitoring.
• Coordinate referrals and supportive services to address barriers to participation.
• Maintain regular contact with participants to promote engagement and successful outcomes.
• Deliver one-on-one and group instruction in work readiness, career exploration, job search, resume development, interviewing, and professional skills.
• Assist 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Participate in program planning, outreach, continuous quality improvement, and other duties as assigned.

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.
• Strong relationship building, diplomacy, and networking skills; ability to effectively build internal and external relationships.
• Demonstrated success working and communicating effectively in a multi-cultural environment.
• 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.

Working Environment

• Standard, professional office environment, including hybrid remote work within San Diego County and required in-office days.
• 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.
• San Diego office hours are scheduled Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-4:30 pm, but will require occasional work during evenings and weekends.
• This position is expected to end on July 6, 2027.

Pay

Pay Range: $23.00–$26.80 per hour. Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.

Benefits

• 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.
• 403b retirement savings plan with immediately vested matching.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program available to staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.