Economic Empowerment Specialist

About the role

The Economic Empowerment Specialist (EES) supports Limited-English-Proficient CalWORKs, RCA, CalFresh Employment & Training (CFE&T) clients participating in the Alameda County LEP, VESL, and Employment Services (ES) Programs. This position is responsible for completing county-mandated intakes, orientations, appraisals, assessments, self-sufficiency plans; enrolling clients into VESL and/or ES activities; coordinating activities and reporting with project partners such as adult schools and social adjustment agencies; monitoring monthly participation; and submitting accurate and timely reporting to the county. The Specialist provides one-on-one job coaching, employment preparation, and resource navigation while ensuring full compliance with IRC and county program requirements. The role requires strong communication and coordination with Alameda County Employment Counselors, partner schools, and IRC internal departments.

Responsibilities

Client Enrollment & Intake

• Conduct Introductory Calls followed by Orientation, Appraisal, and Assessment (Intake) appointments for all referred LEP/VESL/ES clients.
• Collect and record all required onboarding documents, assessments, and county-specific forms.
• Determine and enroll clients into the appropriate activity track (VESL, ES, or dual enrollment) based on English proficiency, goals, and county criteria.
• Maintain timely and accurate case notes in both the IRC database (ETO/Caseload system) and the Alameda County database (CalSAWs or other required platforms).

Ongoing Case Management & Monthly Monitoring

• Conduct monthly follow-ups with all active clients to verify program participation, collect attendance, and address barriers.
• Communicate regularly with Alameda County Employment Counselors regarding client participation, progress, and any compliance concerns.
• Ensure monthly attendance reports, CASAS scores, and activity verifications are submitted to the county on time.
• Provide clients with referrals and resources within IRC (Immigration, Financial Coaching, Health & Wellness, etc.) and to external community-based partner agencies including adult schools, community colleges, workforce programs, and other service providers.

Employment Support

• Provide one-on-one job coaching, including workplace expectations, resume development, job search skills, mock interviews, and career navigation.
• Coordinate and lead job readiness workshops aligned with LEP/ES program expectations.
• Identify appropriate job opportunities and guide clients through the hiring process when they are job-ready.
• Support retention services by following up with employers and clients to address post-placement issues.
• Maintain relationships with local employers and community partners to create pathways for training, volunteer work experience, and employment opportunities.

VESL Coordination

• Refer clients to VESL programs at adult schools and community colleges based on location, English level, and client preference.
• Coordinate VESL activities and other services with adult school, social adjustment and other partners and ensure clear and consistent communication with them.
• Coordinate CASAS testing appointments and ensure scores are properly submitted to IRC and county staff.
• Follow up on monthly attendance from adult schools/community colleges and ensure compliance with participation requirements.

Travel & Field Work

• Travel regularly to IRC’s main and satellite offices—Castro Valley, Fremont, Hayward, Oakland, Livermore, or others as needed—to conduct client intakes, assessments, and in-person meetings.
• Conduct occasional home visits or field-based appointments when programmatically required.

Documentation, Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure accurate and timely completion of all county and IRC reporting requirements.
• Maintain organized digital and physical files in compliance with IRC and county audit standards.
• Monitor clients with county-mandated participation requirements and ensure any non-compliance is communicated and documented appropriately.

Team & Cross-Agency Collaboration

• Coordinate closely with IRC’s Economic Empowerment team, VESL referral partners, and community-based social adjustment agencies for clients with additional needs.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and required county coordination meetings.
• Assist in onboarding and supervising programs for interns and volunteers.

Other Duties As Assigned

• Support special projects, pilot initiatives, and cross-department collaboration as needed.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.
• Minimum two years of direct services experience preferred.

Qualifications

• Experience completing intakes, orientations, assessments, or case management in a social service, workforce, or educational setting.
• Strong understanding of job search processes, workplace norms, and employer expectations; familiarity with the East Bay job market preferred.
• Experience working with immigrant, refugee, or LEP populations.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask and manage deadlines.
• High digital literacy (Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, Box/Dropbox, and web-based databases).
• Strong communication skills, verbal and written.
• Fluency in English required; bilingual abilities in Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Spanish, Arabic, Tigrinya, Russian, or Ukrainian highly preferred.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable insured vehicle, and willingness to travel throughout Alameda County.

Working Environment

Hybrid environment including office, remote work, and field-based client meetings. Weekly travel to satellite offices across Alameda County.

Pay

$26.00 – $27.00 per hour. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Benefits

• 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20–25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure.
• Medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for healthcare and commuter costs.
• 403b retirement savings plan with immediately vested matching.
• Disability & life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program available to staff and their families for counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.