Refugee Resettlement | Employment Specialist

About the role

Catholic Charities seeks an Employment Specialist to serve the Houston‑Galveston community. The role supports refugees and other clients in achieving economic self‑sufficiency through employment services, career resiliency training, and employment stability coaching. The specialist will organize workforce development events, develop community partnerships, and provide direct coaching and teaching to help individuals and families secure and maintain employment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement employment initiatives, including identifying, developing, and maintaining community partnerships to increase earning potential for individuals and families.
• Build effective working relationships with employers and maintain regular contact to monitor program satisfaction.
• Assess business staffing needs, track employment placement and retention outcomes for program participants, and develop vocational and education opportunities within the community.
• Determine client eligibility, assess strengths and interests through interviews and tests, link clients with potential employers, and coordinate with assigned case managers.
• Create and implement individualized action plans that foster employment and self‑sufficiency.
• Coach clients as they follow their action plans, encouraging resilience after rejections.
• Alert clients to job opportunities and recruitment events; provide access to job fairs through sponsorship or referrals.
• Teach pre‑employment classes and meet individually with clients struggling to become employed.
• Edit existing resumes and help clients develop new resumes for job searches.
• Assist clients in practicing interview skills, including conducting mock interviews.
• Help clients schedule job interviews, assess post‑placement status, and track employment outcomes for 90 days or a designated period.
• Advocate on clients’ behalf to resolve workplace issues when needed.
• Arrange transportation and other assistance for clients as required to secure employment.
• Refer clients to additional services such as ESL, vocational training, on‑the‑job training (OJT), and literacy/education programs.
• Assist clients in enrolling in services offered by community partners and follow up to promote success.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree in social work, public administration, data analytics, or a related field.
• Two (2) years of experience in employment development.
• Valid Texas driver’s license.

Skills

• Knowledge of employment coaching and job development best practices.
• Demonstrated success in helping clients secure and maintain employment.
• Established contacts/relationships with prospective employers and community partners.
• Self‑starter with ability to follow through on commitments.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to refine and implement an evolving program.
• Ability to work both independently and as a team member.
• Intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office and other computer applications.

Catholic Charities is an equal‑opportunity employer and fosters an environment free of racism, discrimination, bias, and harassment. Successful applicants must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.