Employment Counselor

Nationalities Service Center (NSC) , a Center City Philadelphia non-profit organization, welcomes applications for an employment counselor. NSC provides legal, social, and educational services to immigrants, refugees, and other non-English speakers.  The organization was established in 1921 and continues with its mission to help immigrants and refugees participate fully in American society.

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree and will have experience in job counseling, direct job placement, job readiness training, and/or job development.  Bi-lingual strongly preferred with fluency in at least one language other than English (Arabic preferred). The ideal candidate will also have had some experience working with immigrant populations. Good computer skills are required.

Strong preference will be given to a candidate who has had experience working with refugee resettlement programs.  An understanding of the importance of the refuge integration processes  is essential.  Applicant must be willing to work as a team member and have excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.  Former immigrants or refugees are encouraged to apply.

Salary is in the low $30’s.

Responsibilities:

·        Develop jobs in the Philadelphia region for refugees at various skill levels through personal contacts, marketing, the internet, job fairs, etc.

·        Counsel refugee clients on the basic skills necessary to find and maintain employment in the United Sates including providing information on American work culture and application processes. Assist where needed in completing job applications, referring to appropriate training programs, etc.

·        Perform a detailed self-assessment for each client, including identifying potential barriers to employment. Develop plan to help clients address these barriers.  Provide training needed, and work with clients to develop short and long-term goals.

·        Arrange interviews between clients and employers and, in most instances, drive clients to the interview site.

·        Follow up with the client and the employer to assess the placement.  Liaise between client and employer where needed, especially if those differences emanate from cultural or language issues.

·        Track client’s progress in a detailed manner both in writing and using the program’s database.

·        Coordinate closely with the client’s in-house social services case manager.

·        Conduct all activities within the guidelines of funders and NSC.

·        Actively participate in weekly case management meetings, as well as other agency, community, and service provider meetings as needed.

·        Conduct outreach workshops on employment related issues and aid in the development of new job readiness orientation and training sessions. 

·        Attend national, regional, or local trainings, conferences, or events.   Prepare periodic reports as needed by the Director of Social Services. 

·        Must hold a drivers license and own an insured car.