Refugee Resettlement | Lead Employment Specialist

About the role

Catholic Charities is looking for the right people; people who wish to serve their community as a part of a family friendly organization doing good within the Houston-Galveston area. We attract and retain the best talent by investing in our employees. People of all faiths helping people in need. Refugee Resettlement assists in helping create a home-away-from-home, we assist government-approved refugees in becoming self-sufficient through cultural orientation, job development, family reunification and resettlement. The Lead Employment Specialist is responsible for employment intake and assessment, data entry, case notes, maintaining files and file reviews with the goal of assisting clients to acquire jobs which promote self-sufficiency. The Lead Employment Specialist will mentor Employment Specialists and be a source of knowledge regarding program requirements. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to deliver presentations confidently, display strong leadership skills, and show enthusiasm and commitment to working with the refugee community.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Employment Supervisor/Director to coordinate and maintain an effective employment process including intake and orientation process for individuals participating in Catholic Charities program services.
• Lead and mentor a team of Employment Specialists, providing guidance and support to ensure effective client engagement.
• Provide constructive feedback to the supervisor regarding individual and team performance, suggesting improvements and recognizing achievements.
• Foster a positive and collaborative team environment that promotes open communication and professional development.
• Lead special projects that enhance the impact and efficiency of the Employment Program.
• Assist with providing intake, assessment, and individual employment plan for each employable client.
• Provide group and individual intensive job readiness orientations that provide clients with the basic skills required to enhance their employability.
• Determine specific employment opportunities appropriate to clients and assist clients in accessing employment opportunities by guiding them through the hiring process.
• Schedule interviews for clients, assist with application, interview process, and assess status of clients after job placement for 90 days.
• Assist clients and employers as necessary with post-placement issues and employment needs beyond initial employment.
• Provide translation services and transportation assistance for clients as needed in the course of securing a job.
• Track clients placed in jobs using the agency’s tracking system and internal spreadsheets.
• Verify enrollments, job referrals and job placements, review employment files with data entry and writing case notes and providing data reports.
• Maintain client files, labels and assuring completeness and accuracy of file documentation in compliance with funding requirements.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Employment Supervisor, Program Manager, or Program Director.
• Attend meetings with other service providers, participate in staff retreats, United Way tours, and agency fairs and speaking engagements; assist with special organizational project/events, and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Two (2) years of experience in an employment services or workforce development program
• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• Successful applicant must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements

Skills

• Ability to give presentations to an audience
• Demonstrated organizational and planning skills, attention to detail and capability to multi-task
• Ability to understand program policies and make informed decisions regarding programs
• Demonstrated success in dealing with a variety of people
• Understanding of and sensitivity for other cultures
• Ability to handle confidential client information
• Ability to manage time and resources; team player
• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access)
• Knowledge of case notes processing, typing skills, data entry, report, and file maintenance