Employment Specialist

Company: International Rescue Committee
Location: Tucson
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. The Employment Specialist helps newly arrived refugee clients achieve self-sufficiency through employment. This role delivers job readiness services, career coaching, and employer connections while supporting clients through the application and placement process. The Specialist maintains strong relationships with local employers, coordinates with other IRC staff, and ensures compliance with donor and program requirements. Major Responsibilities: Responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: • Conduct intake and assessment for employment-eligible clients and develop individualized employment plans. • Deliver job readiness orientations in both group and one-on-one settings, focusing on essential skills for employability. • Cultivate and maintain relationships with area employers to identify appropriate opportunities for clients. • Match clients to employment opportunities and guide them through applications, interviews, and hiring processes. • Monitor job placements, wages, and satisfaction of both clients and employers, providing post-placement support. • Assist clients with Unemployment Insurance applications and weekly claims when applicable. • Maintain accurate case notes and data entry in required systems; prepare employment vouchers and other documentation. • Participate in program meetings, trainings, and professional development activities; follow all IRC policies including safeguarding and confidentiality standards. • Perform other related duties as assigned Job Requirements: Education: • Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, workforce development, or related field strongly preferred; equivalent work experience may be considered. Work Experience: • At least 2 years of case management, employment, job placement, or business experience in a social services setting. • Experience working with vulnerable or underserved populations strongly preferred. Demonstrated Skills and Competencies: • Knowledge of U.S. job search process and ability to coach clients through securing employment. • Strong organizational and time-management skills; detail-oriented. • Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams). • Excellent verbal and written communication skills; public speaking/presentation skills preferred. • Proven ability to problem-solve, prioritize tasks, and meet goals independently or as part of a team. Language Skills: • Proficiency in English required; bilingual ability in Spanish, Dari, Swahili, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, French, or other refugee/immigrant language preferred. Certificates or Licenses: • Valid driver’s license, active insurance policy, and access to reliable transportation. • Must possess or be eligible for a fingerprint clearance card per Arizona state law. Working Environment: • A combination of standard office environment, remote work, and ‘field’ time within the service delivery area to perform the above outlined responsibilities. • May require occasional weekend and/or evening work. • Must be able to lift 35 to 50 pounds (furniture, household supplies, and food boxes). Compensation: ( Pay Range: $20.16 - $20.16 ) Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. 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. PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct . Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding , Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients. Cookies: https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/cookiesettings US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles. Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Keywords: International Rescue Committee, Sierra Vista , Employment Specialist, Human Resources , Tucson, Arizona