Career Pathway Specialist

About the Organization

Nationalities Service Center (NSC) serves more than 5,000 immigrants and refugees each year from over 110 countries. We provide comprehensive services in immigration law matters, community transition and integration, access to health and wellness, language access and proficiency, and job readiness training for immigrants and refugees. NSC’s mission is to welcome and empower immigrants to thrive in our communities and pursue a just future. Our vision is that all immigrants achieve a life of safety and stability, sustainable opportunities, and meaningful community connections.

Program Summary

The Refugee Upskilling Initiative Program is designed to facilitate the integration of refugee-eligible individuals into the workforce by connecting them with employers who are committed to investing in their training and development. The program focuses specifically on providing access to training and job opportunities in high-demand industries. Through this program, participants will receive support in building the necessary skills and qualifications to secure sustainable employment. This includes access to training programs, mentoring, and other resources aimed at enhancing their career readiness. The program is grounded in a collaborative approach that involves working closely with employers to identify their workforce needs and match them with qualified and motivated candidates from the refugee community. Through this partnership, employers have the opportunity to tap into a diverse talent pool while supporting the successful integration of refugees into the local community. By participating in the Refugee Upskilling Initiative Program, refugee-eligible individuals can gain valuable skills and experience that will enable them to succeed in the workforce and achieve long-term financial stability.

Job Summary/Definition:

The Career Pathways Specialist plays a critical role in supporting refugee-eligible individuals in their career development by partnering with employers to provide on-the-job training opportunities. In this role, the Career Pathways Specialist will facilitate training, workshops, skill development practices, and interpretation. Additionally, the Career Pathways Specialist will provide ongoing support to clients as they engage in on-the-job training (OJT). The successful candidate for this role will have a strong understanding of workforce development, be able to build strong relationships with employers and clients and possess excellent communication and problem-solving skills. The ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. The Career Pathways Specialist must be committed to empowering clients and helping them achieve their full potential.

Job Duties:

1. Build strong relationships with employers, facilitate and maintain partnerships, and understand employer workforce needs; conduct virtual and in-person employer outreach.
2. Research the employer’s industry, company values, client jobs and tasks, and opportunities for growth at the company.
3. Work with the employer to create an upskilling plan, which includes training and workshop ideas, interpretation needs, areas for skill improvement, employer participation, and program goals.
4. Conduct and document client intakes at the beginning of each employer partnership to learn about client concerns, needs and goals.
5. Coordinate and develop weekly resources, presentations, workshops, and mentorship sessions to support clients in-person twice per week and virtually three days per week.
6. Collaborate with the RUI Vocational ESL Instructor to establish topic alignment. Additionally, collaborate with the RUI Career Coach to deliver individualized support for clients.
7. Complete tasks assigned by the Program Coordinator as needed.
8. Connect clients to career events, relevant resources, GED classes and Coursera courses to enhance their career readiness.
9. Maintain accurate records of client interactions, updates and progress through case notes in Apricot.
10. Regularly evaluate the program’s effectiveness through ongoing check-ins, and proactively recommend adjustments to enhance program outcomes, ensuring that both client and employer needs are met.
11. Ensure the program aligns comprehensively with the funder’s guidelines, particularly in preparation for the audit, while adhering to NSC’s program work statement to fulfill all requirements.
12. Participate in professional development opportunities to stay abreast of best practices and new developments in workforce development.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements:

• Basic understanding of NSC’s mission, vision, values, programs and services, and business plan.
• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment.
• Possesses strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by compassionate, courteous, cordial, cooperative, and professional interaction with diverse groups of co-workers, external business partners, and the community.
• Ability to operate a computer and use a variety of common software programs including Microsoft Office, spreadsheets, and customized databases.
• Adheres to all NSC and departmental policies and procedures.
• Attends all NSC in-services as required.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and effectively communicating with individuals and groups.
• Knowledge of basic client management procedures for determining eligibility, assessing needs, identifying resources, making referrals, following up, and documenting client interactions and proactively supporting clients’ pursuit of goals.
• Ability to effectively interview and engage a client in appropriate programming.
• Ability to effectively conduct one on one advocacy and/or educational presentations.

Education/Experience Requirements:

Minimum Experience: 2+ years of Career Coaching or Job Developing experience is preferred. Working within the refugee and immigrant community is a plus. Bilingual skills are preferred, with preference given to Swahili, French Spanish, or Arabic languages.

Minimum Education: BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university in a related field of study or 3 + experience in a related field.

Licensure: Valid driver’s license with access to reliable transportation is preferred but not required.

Working Conditions:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
2. This position will be hybrid between NSC’s Center City office and remote work.
3. COVID-Vaccine: NSC has determined that the best way to protect our employees and the community we serve is to require all staff who are working on-site be fully vaccinated.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. While performing the duties of this job, the employees will need to maneuver around the office, be in a stationary position for extended periods of time, handle or feel objects, tools or equipment.
2. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
3. Operate related office equipment and use necessary tools.
4. Specific vision abilities required by the job include: frequent reading and close vision; distance vision; color vision; peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus.

Commitment to Inclusion Statement:

NSC is an equal opportunity employer committed to a policy of non-discrimination in all employment practices and does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nor any other basis protected under applicable law.

Disclaimer:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change, or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.